Nagpur: In a sweeping move to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation, Nagpur City Police have intensified their crackdown through Operation Shakti, combining tough enforcement with an ambitious community-policing drive titled ‘Police–Samuday Samvad’.

Pioneered by Commissioner of Police Dr. R. Singhal and led on the ground by DCP (Economic Offences Wing) Mahak Swami, the initiative urges citizens to become active partners in protecting their neighbourhoods.

1,400 Residents Join Awareness Meetings

Launched around Ganesh Chaturthi, the campaign plans 50 community meetings across every police-station jurisdiction. So far, 21 meetings have drawn participation from over 1,400 residents, held in public spaces to encourage direct dialogue between police officers and locals.

During these sessions, residents learn to:

• Identify early signs of sex trafficking and child abuse
• Spot and report suspicious activities in residential or commercial areas
• Volunteer in ongoing anti-trafficking efforts under Operation Shakti

Strong Response Across the City

Police report an enthusiastic response in Hudkeshwar, Wathoda, Ajni, Imamwada, Panchpaoli, Kalamna, Jaripatka, Kapil Nagar, Mankapur, Koradi, Sadar and Gittikhadan. In many of these localities, citizens have offered to organise and lead future meetings themselves, reflecting growing ownership of the mission.

Community as the First Line of Defence

With prostitution increasingly shifting from traditional red-light zones to residential colonies and commercial establishments, Nagpur Police stress that community vigilance is vital. The outreach is part of a wider awareness effort that also includes ‘Police Didi’ and ‘Police Kaka’ school and college programmes.

“This is more than enforcement; it’s a movement. Nagpurkars are stepping forward not as spectators, but as changemakers,” said DCP Mahak Swami. Commissioner Dr. R. Singhal added, “Communities hold the power to stop human trafficking before it starts. With the right tools and awareness, community leaders can be the first protectors of the vulnerable.”

Through Operation Shakti and Police–Samuday Samvad, Nagpur Police are turning citizens into key allies, aiming to wipe out the sex trade and make the city safer for women and children.