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Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Operation Thunder: A Mother's Tears And A Resolute City's Fight Against Drugs
When I took charge as Nagpur commissioner of police, I was not prepared for the heartbreak that walked into my office one afternoon. It was a mother — shaking, silent, and shattered. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She eventually spoke, and her words have stayed with me ever since. "Sir," she said, "only you can help me. My son is just 16. He's addicted to drugs. He's become violent. He has raised his hand on me. He steals from home. He barely eats or sleeps. I don't know how to save him." It was the story of many families — a crisis spreading in our society, behind closed doors, consuming children, breaking families. That moment gave birth to Operation Thunder — a mission to not only stop supply of drugs but to confront the suffering. It was about awakening a city, protecting our youth. We began with city-wide strategy, and clear directives. Identify and dismantle the entire ecosystem: from manufacturers and transporters to suppliers, traffickers, and consumers who sustain it. Old case files were reopened. Surveillance and intelligence gathering intensified. Then, one night, in a single operation, over 800 habitual offenders were apprehended. The era of tolerance was over. The action was backed by legal steps, like cases under MCOCA, PIT NDPS, and MPDA, ensuring offenders faced real and lasting consequences. But Operation Thunder was never about numbers alone. It was about deep, systemic transformation. The NDPS Cell was restructured. Dedicated officers were trained further. We focused on backward and forward linkages — origin, distribution, and victims. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This led to the first successful use of the PIT NDPS Act in the city. Behind every seized packet, every report, and every arrest, there were heartbreaking stories. Drug peddlers preyed on vulnerable young boys and girls, luring with free samples. Once hooked, the exploitation began. Some young girls were pushed into prostitution. A few, unable to cope, took their own lives. These weren't just statistics — they were silent screams, in broken homes. Enforcement alone could not solve them. We knew we had to reach out — to educate, engage, and empower. Awareness became our strongest weapon. Through sustained outreach, over 87,000 students across Nagpur were sensitized about the dangers of drug abuse. In schools, colleges, and vulnerable areas, holding awareness sessions, discussions, and open dialogues. Over 17,000 students took the anti-drug pledge through the ministry of home affairs portal. We proposed the formation of Anti-Drug Clubs as peer-led spaces to encourage vigilance, early detection, and support. Nagpur is now witnessing a shift. Conversations have begun in homes and schools. Our officers are mentors, counsellors, and protectors. But our work is far from over. To every parent reading this, I urge you: be your child's safe space. Pay attention to moods, behaviour, silence. Your involvement can save them. To our teachers — you are the eyes and ears of our community. One concerned word, one phone call to the authorities can prevent a lifetime of regret. To the youth — you are stronger than temptation. You are not alone. You don't need drugs to escape — you need a purpose, a mission, and belief in your potential. As the world observes the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, let us not just participate in ceremonies. Let us act with conviction. Let us speak, intervene, and protect. Say NO to drugs. Say YES to courage. Say YES to a drug-free Nagpur. Together, let us thunder against this menace. Together, let us protect our future. (The writer is commissioner of police, Nagpur City)
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Time of India
Goon Spent Year in Jail, Builds Body in Barrack, Returns Posing Bigger Threat
1 2 3 Nagpur: Sunny Gaikwad, 23-year-old unobtrusive miscreant, defied his skinny and famished demeanour but with sharp criminal mind, was jailed under the stringent Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act two years ago. Nabbed by Nagpur police, the court had convicted him to undergo term at Nashik Central Jail. But things seemingly went haywire, and Gaikwad used the opportunity to focus on his body and gain strength. Back in Nagpur after his release a year ago took many, including the police, by surprise. Gaikwad was a different person altogether — not that he had reformed — but he returned with spitefulness with his chiseled bodybuilder's body, and his cold-viciousness only to go back to return where he had left his criminal past behind, albeit with more vengeance. With his new muscular avatar, he once again unleashed his reign of terror. Gaikwad returned augured a bigger threat to the police at Kaikade Nagar where he would brandish his muscular body and turn violent at the slightest provocation. He kept the cops on their toes with his criminal activities, which included assault, snatching cash at knifepoint, extorting traders, threatening those who crossed him, and other offences. Gaikwad would demand free goods from shopkeepers at knifepoint. Residents were left desperately seeking police intervention. He was slapped with MPDA once again and sent back to prison for the second time on Tuesday. He is currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail. Gaikwad's physical transition happened gradually during his stint in Nashik Central Jail in 2023 where focused on diet and building muscles. "Gaikwad was uncontrollable. It seemed either he would murder someone or get murdered by rivals or even by the enraged public," senior inspector Mukund Kawade said. Gaikwad already had around 17 offences registered against him under various sections. "Earlier, though he had several offences, Gaikwad was meek before his first MPDA detention in 2023. Somehow, he built his body in prison and returned stronger and more desperate, posing a greater threat," said the senior PI. Kawade stated that a strategy was formulated under the supervision of Zonal DCP Rashmitha Rao to curb Gaikwad's activities. ACP Narendra Hiware assisted in the legal process. "We registered an offence of assault as soon as a complainant approached us. Gradually, we registered more cases, which unsettled his confidence. In the meantime, we prepared strong legal records and evidence to back yet another MPDA proposal," said Kawade. "Our proposal for a fresh MPDA action against him was finalized with the help of the modus operandi branch. CP Ravinder Singal approved the proposal, which paved the way for his swift arrest. He is currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail but will be shifted to other prisons in the state," Kawade added. Nagpur: Sunny Gaikwad, 23-year-old unobtrusive miscreant, defied his skinny and famished demeanour but with sharp criminal mind, was jailed under the stringent Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act two years ago. Nabbed by Nagpur police, the court had convicted him to undergo term at Nashik Central Jail. But things seemingly went haywire, and Gaikwad used the opportunity to focus on his body and gain strength. Back in Nagpur after his release a year ago took many, including the police, by surprise. Gaikwad was a different person altogether — not that he had reformed — but he returned with spitefulness with his chiseled bodybuilder's body, and his cold-viciousness only to go back to return where he had left his criminal past behind, albeit with more vengeance. With his new muscular avatar, he once again unleashed his reign of terror. Gaikwad returned augured a bigger threat to the police at Kaikade Nagar where he would brandish his muscular body and turn violent at the slightest provocation. He kept the cops on their toes with his criminal activities, which included assault, snatching cash at knifepoint, extorting traders, threatening those who crossed him, and other offences. Gaikwad would demand free goods from shopkeepers at knifepoint. Residents were left desperately seeking police intervention. He was slapped with MPDA once again and sent back to prison for the second time on Tuesday. He is currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail. Gaikwad's physical transition happened gradually during his stint in Nashik Central Jail in 2023 where focused on diet and building muscles. "Gaikwad was uncontrollable. It seemed either he would murder someone or get murdered by rivals or even by the enraged public," senior inspector Mukund Kawade said. Gaikwad already had around 17 offences registered against him under various sections. "Earlier, though he had several offences, Gaikwad was meek before his first MPDA detention in 2023. Somehow, he built his body in prison and returned stronger and more desperate, posing a greater threat," said the senior PI. Kawade stated that a strategy was formulated under the supervision of Zonal DCP Rashmitha Rao to curb Gaikwad's activities. ACP Narendra Hiware assisted in the legal process. "We registered an offence of assault as soon as a complainant approached us. Gradually, we registered more cases, which unsettled his confidence. In the meantime, we prepared strong legal records and evidence to back yet another MPDA proposal," said Kawade. "Our proposal for a fresh MPDA action against him was finalized with the help of the modus operandi branch. CP Ravinder Singal approved the proposal, which paved the way for his swift arrest. He is currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail but will be shifted to other prisons in the state," Kawade added.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Time of India
Frail MPDA Goon Works On Body In Jail, Returns With Vengeance
Nagpur: Sunny Gaikwad, 23-year-old unobtrusive miscreant, defied his skinny and famished demeanour but with sharp criminal mind, was jailed under the stringent Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act two years ago. Nabbed by Nagpur police, the court had convicted him to undergo term at Nashik Central Jail. But things seemingly went haywire, and Gaikwad used the opportunity to focus on his body and gain strength. Back in Nagpur after his release a year ago took many, including the police, by surprise. Gaikwad was a different person altogether — not that he had reformed — but he returned with spitefulness with his chiseled bodybuilder's body, and his cold-viciousness only to go back to return where he had left his criminal past behind, albeit with more vengeance. With his new muscular avatar, he once again unleashed his reign of terror. Gaikwad returned augured a bigger threat to the police at Kaikade Nagar where he would brandish his muscular body and turn violent at the slightest provocation. He kept the cops on their toes with his criminal activities, which included assault, snatching cash at knifepoint, extorting traders, threatening those who crossed him, and other offences. Gaikwad would demand free goods from shopkeepers at knifepoint. Residents were left desperately seeking police intervention. He was slapped with MPDA once again and sent back to prison for the second time on Tuesday. He is currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail. Gaikwad's physical transition happened gradually during his stint in Nashik Central Jail in 2023 where focused on diet and building muscles. "Gaikwad was uncontrollable. It seemed either he would murder someone or get murdered by rivals or even by the enraged public," senior inspector Mukund Kawade said. Gaikwad already had around 17 offences registered against him under various sections. "Earlier, though he had several offences, Gaikwad was meek before his first MPDA detention in 2023. Somehow, he built his body in prison and returned stronger and more desperate, posing a greater threat," said the senior PI. Kawade stated that a strategy was formulated under the supervision of Zonal DCP Rashmitha Rao to curb Gaikwad's activities. ACP Narendra Hiware assisted in the legal process. "We registered an offence of assault as soon as a complainant approached us. Gradually, we registered more cases, which unsettled his confidence. In the meantime, we prepared strong legal records and evidence to back yet another MPDA proposal," said Kawade. "Our proposal for a fresh MPDA action against him was finalized with the help of the modus operandi branch. CP Ravinder Singal approved the proposal, which paved the way for his swift arrest. He is currently lodged in Nagpur Central Jail but will be shifted to other prisons in the state," Kawade added.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Time of India
Man Stabbed To Death Over Just 8,000 Unpaid Loan By Three History-Sheeters
Nagpur: A violent clash over a Rs8,000 debt claimed the life of Rahul Mohan Pandey, 24, and left two assailants injured in Lakdapool area on June 8. Three individuals have been arrested in the case. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The incident, rooted in a financial dispute, escalated into a fatal confrontation involving known criminals with a history of violent offences. Kotwali police were unaware of the ongoing tussle among the goons. Police said Pandey had lent Rs8,000 to Rohit Chandekar, 29, a resident of Nawabpura near Masjid. When Rohit failed to repay, tensions flared as there were threats and counter-threats between the rivals. Pandey also visited Chandekar's residence on many occasions to recover his cash. Sources allege the debt was likely linked to a narcotics deal involving mephedrone, with Rohit reportedly dealing in the drug recently. Pandey, determined to recover his money, allegedly confronted Rohit earlier on Sunday, whisking him away on a bike and demanding immediate repayment. Rohit promised to settle the amount later. Around 9pm, Pandey received a call from Rohit's accomplice, Neeraj Larokar, summoning him to a footpath behind Lakdapool Bus Stop, opposite Royal Electricals Shop. Accompanied by friends, Pandey arrived at the location around 11pm, unaware it was a trap. Waiting there were Rohit, his brother Vickey, and Larokar, all with serious criminal records, including assaults. Vickey was previously charged under the stringent Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act but was released by court order. A heated confrontation ensued, leading to a brutal fight. The Chandekar brothers and Larokar attacked Pandey and his friends with a baton, and one of the assailants, identified as accused Rohit, stabbed Pandey with a knife. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Despite being rushed to Mayo Hospital, Pandey succumbed to his injuries. The Chandekar brothers also sustained injuries during the clash. Following a complaint, Kotwali police registered a case, arresting Rohit, Vickey, and Larokar for their involvement. The police are investigating the narcotics angle and the events leading to the fatal encounter. The incident has raised concerns about rising criminal activity in the area.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Time of India
Notorious goon held under MPDA Act
Nagpur: The police detained 23-year-old Nayan Chavare under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act, 1981, on the orders of the police commissioner on Monday over a series of serious offences in Imambada area. A resident of Rambagh, Chavare was involved in numerous crimes against individuals and property. His criminal history includes grievous assault during robbery, attempted murder, house trespassing with intent to cause harm, armed theft, and repeated violations of restraining orders. Despite being bound by a two-year good behaviour bond, Chavare continued to engage in criminal activities, showing blatant disregard for previous actions. The Imambada police documented several recent offences by Chavare, including wilful injuries, abuse, use of deadly weapons, and disturbance to public peace. These acts prompted senior police inspector of Imambada to submit a detention proposal to crime branch. After review, MPDA department forwarded the case to the commissioner of police, who authorised his detention.
