Nagpur: In a historic moment for the city, renowned social workers Padma Shri Dr. Prakash Amte and Dr. Mandakini Amte unveiled the white paper on Operation Thunder, an anti-drug campaign initiated by Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal. The event was held on August 20, 2025, at National Fire Service College, Rajnagar, in the presence of senior police officials, citizens, NGOs, students, and cyber ambassadors.
Introducing the campaign, DCP Niketan Kadam said Operation Thunder became a success due to the active participation of Nagpurians. Over the last 18 months, the drive has struck at the demand and supply chain of narcotics — with property worth over ₹10 crore seized, more than 700 arrests made, and three significant actions carried out under PIT-NDPS (for the first time in Maharashtra). The campaign also reached 1.5 million citizens through rallies, plays, awareness programs, and the World Anti-Drug Week (June 20–26). A National Conference in Nagpur saw 30 experts guiding on de-addiction strategies, culminating in the white paper released today.
As part of the program, 10 youth who overcame addiction were honored with ‘Warrior Certificates’.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Prakash Amte said: “Drug abuse is a deadly disease destroying families, far more dangerous than tobacco addiction once considered serious. Addiction makes no distinction between rich or poor, men or women. The efforts of Nagpur Police are highly commendable and must be replicated across states. Selfless service like this creates positive change in society.” He also drew parallels with his own Lok Biradari Prakalp at Hemalkasa, dedicated to healthcare, education, and rehabilitation of tribals and animals.
Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Singal described Dr. Amte as a national inspiration: “Operation Thunder is not only a police initiative but a collective victory of Nagpurians. The campaign has emphasized rehabilitation along with enforcement. Today, drug hotspots in the city have disappeared, and citizens say substances are no longer available where they once were. This is true teamwork — the credit belongs to the people of Nagpur.”
The event saw the participation of Joint CP Navinchandra Reddy, Additional CPs Vasant Pardeshi and Rajendra Dabhade, DCPs Lohit Matani, Niketan Kadam, Rashmita Rao, Dr. Ashwini Patil, Shashikant Satav, Rahul Makhnikar and others. The program was anchored by Dr. Prashant Joshi, with a vote of thanks by DCP Mehak Swami.
To mark the occasion, participants were given appreciation letters, while Nagpur Police also enabled an online certificate download facility via QR code. The event concluded with a strong message — that Operation Thunder has transformed Nagpur into a safer and drug-free city.
