Nagpur: A major overhaul of the policing system in Nagpur is on the cards, with the State Government focusing on land frauds, surveillance, manpower shortages, police mobility, traffic management and policing infrastructure.
Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule issued a series of directives during a police review meeting held at Police Bhavan on Monday, calling for stronger action against land mafias, a probe into alleged illegal activities linked to some OYO hotels, installation of around 1,500 new CCTV cameras and measures to fill hundreds of vacant police posts.
The meeting was attended by MLC Dr Rajiv Potdar, Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangare Patil, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Harssh A Poddar, Joint Commissioner of Police Navinchandra Reddy, Additional Commissioners Rajendra Dabhade, Vasant Pardeshi and Vinita Sahu, besides all Deputy Commissioners of Police.
SIT to crack down on land mafias
The rising number of complaints against land mafias came under sharp focus during the meeting. Bawankule said the problem was particularly serious in newly developing suburban areas, where citizens were allegedly being cheated in land transactions.
He directed the police to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate land fraud cases and identify the people operating such networks.
“No leniency should be shown to those cheating citizens in the name of land development,” Bawankule said, directing the police to take stringent action against offenders.
He also expressed concern over attempts to illegally grab or misuse properties belonging to senior citizens. He urged elderly property owners to immediately approach their nearest police station if they apprehend any attempt to take over their property.
The police, he said, should also consider taking suo motu action in such cases, particularly where elderly owners have children living in other cities or abroad and may not have immediate family support.
OYO hotels under scanner
Alleged prostitution rackets operating from some OYO hotels also came under scrutiny.
Bawankule directed the police to investigate complaints regarding such activities and establish whether hotel operators or other persons were facilitating them.
He said such illegal activities were harming Nagpur’s image and ordered the police to identify those running the alleged rackets and investigate their links with the hotels concerned.
Strict action should be taken against anyone found involved, he directed.
1,500 new CCTV cameras planned
Surveillance infrastructure is also set for a major expansion, with around 1,500 new CCTV cameras proposed for Nagpur city and adjoining areas.
Bawankule noted that several existing cameras were non-functional, hampering investigations and surveillance. He directed officials to repair, upgrade and maintain the existing network.
The new surveillance system will also incorporate AI-based technology to improve monitoring and assist the police in detecting suspicious activities and investigating offences.
New cameras have been proposed for areas including Kamptee, Khaparkheda, Bhandewadi, Besa and Pipla.
The Minister said efforts were underway to complete the rural CCTV project before the forthcoming legislative session. The city CCTV project may also be entrusted to a single agency to ensure technical uniformity and better maintenance.
A meeting involving the District Collector, Police Commissioner and Superintendent of Police has been scheduled for August 17 to review the CCTV projects.
700 police posts vacant
Manpower shortage emerged as another major concern. Bawankule said around 700 posts were vacant against the sanctioned strength of the police force.
Efforts are underway to fill approximately 550 posts, he said.
A proposal will also be sent to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking creation of two additional senior positions — Additional Commissioner of Police (Administration) and another Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters).
Rs 20 crore boost for police vehicles
The police fleet is also expected to receive a major boost, with the District Planning Committee allocating Rs 20 crore for the purchase of police vehicles.
The additional vehicles are expected to improve response time and mobility, particularly in areas where the existing fleet is under pressure.
Bawankule also announced plans to make six proposed police stations operational before January 26, while some existing police stations will be restructured to strengthen the policing network.
Traffic management gets priority
Traffic congestion and complaints regarding traffic management were also discussed.
Bawankule noted that a large number of traffic-related complaints were being raised through social media and directed the police to ensure smoother movement of vehicles across the city.
The police were asked to coordinate with civic and other agencies, particularly at locations where construction activity is underway, and ensure that ongoing works do not unnecessarily disrupt traffic.
The directions indicate an attempt to give Nagpur policing a broader overhaul, combining stronger enforcement, expanded surveillance, additional manpower, better mobility and improved infrastructure, while putting organised land fraud and illegal activities allegedly operating from certain hotels under greater scrutiny.
