A major overhaul of the Nagpur police is on the cards, with the focus on tackling land mafias, crack down on Oyo hotels, strengthening CCTV surveillance and filling staff shortages. The police force will also get more vehicles, while steps will be taken to improve traffic management and strengthen the policing network. Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule issued a series of directions during a police review meeting at Police Bhavan on Monday. He ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe land fraud cases and announced plans to install around 1,500 new CCTV cameras across the city and adjoining areas. The meeting was attended by MLC Dr Rajiv Potdar, Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangare Patil, Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Harssh A Poddar, Joint CP Navinchandra Reddy, Additional Commissioners Rajendra Dabhade, Vasant Pardeshi and Vinita Sahu, and all DCPs. 

 

 

Bawankule said complaints against land mafias had increased in the city. The problem was more serious in newly- developed residential areas (Sub-urban), he said. Many citizens were being cheated in land deals. He directed the police to form an SIT to probe such cases. He said no leniency would be shown to those cheating citizens in the name of land development. Bawankule also asked elderly people to approach the nearest police station if anyone tries to grab or misuse their property. He said many families have children living in other cities or abroad. Police should also take suo motu action in such cases, he said. 

 

Complaints about prostitution rackets operating from some OYO hotels have also come to the police. Bawankule directed the police to investigate the links of such hotels. He said such activities were damaging Nagpur’s image. Police should identify those running the rackets and find out their links with the hotels. Strict action should be taken against those found involved, he said. 

 

Around 1,500 new CCTV cameras will be installed in Nagpur and nearby areas. Bawankule said many existing cameras were not working. This was affecting police investigations. He directed officials to repair and upgrade the existing cameras. AI technology will also be used to improve surveillance. New cameras will be installed in areas such as Kamptee, Khaparkheda, Bhandewadi, Besa and Pipla.

 

 

Bawankule said efforts were being made to complete the rural CCTV project before the legislative session. The city project may also be given to a single agency. This will help maintain technical uniformity, he said. A meeting of the District Collector, Police Commissioner and SP will be held on August 17. The CCTV projects will be discussed at the meeting. 

 

The police force is short of around 700 posts as per its approved strength. Efforts are being made to fill around 550 posts, Bawankule said. He also said a proposal would be sent to CM Devendra Fadnavis. The proposal will seek two new posts. These are Additional CP Administration and one more DCP (Headquarters). 

 

 

The District Planning Committee will provide Rs 20 crore for police vehicles. The money will be used to strengthen the police fleet. Bawankule also said new police stations would be opened. Some existing stations will also be restructured. Six proposed police stations will be made operational before January 26, he said.

 

 

Traffic management was also discussed at the meeting. Bawankule said many traffic complaints were being posted on social media. He directed the police to ensure smooth traffic movement. This should be done even at places where construction work is in progress. Police were asked to coordinate with other agencies and reduce traffic problems for motorists.