When criminals change their methods, policing also needs to change. Keeping this in mind, Zone 4 police of Nagpur City led by DCP Rashmita Rao adopted new-age, technology-based and data-driven policing in 2025, which resulted in a sharp fall in serious crimes across the area. According to official data, serious crimes recorded a total reduction of 832 cases in 2025 compared to 2024. Major offences such as murder dropped from 31 to 23 cases, while attempt to murder came down from 47 to 23. Robbery cases were reduced by half, from 60 to 30. Property-related crimes also showed a major decline, with burglary cases falling by 131 and motor vehicle theft cases reducing by 108. 

 

 

Crimes against women and vulnerable groups also fell. Rape cases reduced from 73 to 54, molestation cases fell from 123 to 93 and kidnapping cases declined by 23. Fatal road accidents were brought down from 84 to 42 after police identified accident-prone spots and implemented corrective measures.

 

Several initiatives strengthened visible and community policing. Mission Night Watch improved night-time surveillance, while daily beat patrolling between 6 pm and 11 pm increased police presence in sensitive areas. The Durga Marshal initiative gave special attention to women’s safety, and senior citizens were covered under a security scheme using QR codes for quick assistance. In 2025, Zone 4 police also took 1,303 actions against illegal activities, including illegal liquor, gambling, drugs, and weapon possession. Proactive raids, quick response to public information and the use of mobile patrolling technology created a strong deterrent effect.

 

 

 

Speaking to ‘The Hitavada’, DCP Rao said, this success was achieved through systematic crime analysis and the use of technology. Crime data was closely studied to understand patterns, timing and locations of offences. Based on this analysis, police carried out special operations to target repeat offenders and criminal gangs. Surveillance on notorious criminals, regular checks on released jail inmates and preventive actions like MPDA and externment orders helped keep offenders in check.