Nagpur: To ensure peace and law and order during the upcoming festival season, Maharashtra Revenue and Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has directed the Nagpur city and rural police departments to remain on high alert.

Chairing a review meeting at the Nagpur Police Commissionerate, Bawankule discussed preparations for upcoming festivals including Nag Panchami, Narali Pournima, Raksha Bandhan, Independence Day, Krishna Janmashtami, Dahi Handi, Bail Pola, Tanha Pola, Marbat processions, and Ganeshotsav. He emphasized the importance of coordination and proactive policing to maintain communal harmony during these events.

Police Commissioner Dr. Ravindra Singal, District Collector Dr. Vipin Itankar, Additional Commissioners Vasant Pardeshi, Shivaji Rathod, Rajendra Dabhade, and Superintendent of Police Harsh Poddar were among the senior officials present.

Bawankule instructed Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) to hold peace committee meetings zone-wise and implement all necessary law enforcement measures. He assured full support from the government in terms of modern equipment and infrastructure, including funds for the upcoming Police Bhavan in Kamptee.

In a separate meeting at the SP Rural Office, Special IG Sandeep Patil, SP Harsh Poddar, and DCPs Anil Mhaskar, Deepak Agrawal, Vrushti Jain, and Vijay Mahulkar reviewed rural preparedness. SP Poddar shared details about the Zero Fatality Program, AI-enabled crime analysis, and recent improvements in investigations.

Bawankule also directed strict action against illegal lottery operations and sand smuggling in rural areas. He encouraged police officers to engage with villagers regularly and promote tree plantation drives in police station premises.

Earlier, Bawankule inaugurated ‘Operation Shakti’ and the ‘Shakti Help Desk’ launched by Nagpur City Police to combat human trafficking and crimes against women and children.