Nagpur: Under the city-wide anti-drug campaign ‘Operation Thunder’, Nagpur Police have intensified their crackdown on illegal narcotics trade. In the past month alone, 28 raids were conducted across the city, resulting in the seizure of 1.4 kg of MD drugs, 17 kg of ganja, and opium, collectively valued at ₹1.31 crore. A total of 47 drug offenders were apprehended during the operation, showcasing the proactive enforcement drive led by Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal.
The campaign targets drug trafficking, illegal alcohol sale, and gambling, with operations spanning all 18 police stations in Nagpur. Under the direct supervision of Dr. Singal, both Crime Branch teams and local police inspectors have collaborated to dismantle the network of illicit activities. The campaign not only reflects the volume of action but also highlights the responsiveness and accountability of the police force.
As part of ongoing vigilance, Dr. Singal has directed senior inspectors to personally patrol their jurisdictions from 6 p.m. to midnight, monitor criminal records on the ground, and take immediate action against illegal operations. This intensified approach has instilled a sense of urgency and responsibility across police stations.
On May 19, 2025, around 9 p.m., Commissioner Singal conducted a surprise patrol in the Jaripatka and Yashodhara Nagar areas. During the inspection near Tanwani Wine Shop at Khobragade Chowk, he discovered a vendor, Vijay Devaji Lanjewar (39), selling banned tobacco products such as Rajshree, Vimal, Baba 120, Rajnigandha, and KP Black Label. The seized material, valued at ₹4,500, is prohibited under Maharashtra’s tobacco regulations due to its carcinogenic nature.
Following the discovery, Commissioner Singal rebuked Jaripatka Senior Inspector Arun Shirsagar and directed immediate legal action under IPC Section 123 and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. Police officers were dispatched to the site to execute enforcement as per his instructions.
During the visit, the Commissioner also ordered removal of unauthorized vendors, loiterers, and obstructive vehicles near the wine shop, enforcing earlier directives issued at a recent meeting at Police Bhavan. His ground-level intervention reinforced the necessity for local inspectors to mirror such commitment.
Later, Dr. Singal paid a surprise visit to Yashodhara Nagar Police Station, where DCP Niketan Kadam and ACP Shirsagar were present. He reviewed ongoing issues such as illegal liquor dens, public nuisance by intoxicated individuals, and unlicensed vendors, issuing firm instructions for immediate crackdowns. In light of a recent murder in Bhilgaon, he ordered a probe into the motive and dispatched teams for intensified patrolling and slum searches.
Commissioner Dr. Singal’s hands-on approach is reshaping the image of Nagpur Police. However, he also noted that some officers are still not taking their responsibilities seriously. “If I can hit the streets and take action, why can’t you?” he questioned, serving a stern warning to station heads through action rather than words.
