Nagpur: Despite a significant overall decline in crime in 2025, Nagpur witnessed a sharp spike in chain snatching incidents, which emerged as a key area of concern for the city police. Official data shows that cases of snatching rose by over 200 per cent compared to 2024, even as major crime categories such as robbery, attempt to murder, housebreaking and crimes against women recorded a notable decline of 20 to 30 per cent.
Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal, Nagpur Police intensified action against criminals through special drives including Operations Thunder and Shakti. These focused interventions contributed to an overall improvement in law and order. On the traffic safety front, Operation U-Turn, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police Lohit Matani, delivered encouraging results, helping the city achieve a 26 per cent reduction in fatal road accidents in 2025. While 348 people lost their lives in road mishaps in 2024, the toll dropped to 258 deaths till December 21, 2025.
NDPS cases double amid intensified crackdown
As part of Operation Thunder, police stepped up surveillance and enforcement against drug trafficking, resulting in a sharp rise in registered NDPS offences. While around 300 cases were registered in 2024, the number nearly doubled to close to 600 in 2025—an increase of over 100 per cent. Large quantities of MD and ganja, valued at several crores of rupees, were seized and hundreds of drug peddlers were arrested during the year.
Snatching incidents remain a concern
Chain and mobile phone snatching emerged as the biggest setback in the city’s crime control efforts. Cases rose from just over 20 in 2024 to nearly 70 in 2025, with bike-borne miscreants targeting citizens and looting valuables worth lakhs of rupees.
Crimes against women see significant decline
Nagpur also recorded a marked improvement in women’s safety indicators. With strict monitoring and zero tolerance towards offences against women, cases of cruelty by husband or relatives fell by 21 per cent. Rape cases dropped by around 35 per cent, from 272 in 2024 to about 180 in 2025. Incidents of molestation remained largely unchanged.
Murders up slightly, attempts decline
While murder cases saw a marginal rise of just over 4 per cent, incidents of attempted murder declined by nearly 20 per cent. From around 180 cases in 2024, the number fell to just over 140 in 2025. Police said most murder cases were linked to domestic disputes, with a few attributed to gang rivalry.
Overall, police officials said sustained enforcement, targeted operations and preventive policing helped Nagpur achieve a safer environment in 2025, even as challenges like chain snatching continue to demand focused attention.
