In a decisive move to reclaim public spaces and curb habitual offenders, the Nagpur City Police launched a rigorous enforcement drive across Bajaj Nagar. The special operation, which ran from December 16 to 28, resulted in a significant number of legal actions against public smoking, illicit liquor trade, and traffic obstructions.
Wide-Ranging Legal Actions and Major Seizures
The crackdown led to the registration of 183 cases under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. These cases, filed under Sections 4, 21, 6(b), and 24, targeted individuals caught smoking and selling cigarettes in public areas. Additionally, police booked 21 individuals for causing public nuisance under Section 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and filed 10 cases specifically for traffic obstruction.
Illegal alcohol activities formed a core focus of the blitz. Authorities registered three cases each under Sections 68 and 85 of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act for the unlawful sale and transportation of liquor. In a notable seizure, police confiscated foreign liquor worth ₹1.16 lakh and a black vehicle with a Uttar Pradesh registration, valued at approximately ₹18 lakh. This brought the total value of seized property to a substantial ₹19.16 lakh. One more case was recorded under the Maharashtra Excise Act read with the BNS.
Key Locations and Restaurant Scrutiny
Conducted under the supervision of DCP Rishikesh Reddy and Senior Police Inspector Chetansingh Chauhan of Bajaj Nagar police station, the drive covered major congestion points and public hotspots. These included:
- VNIT Road and Abhyankar Nagar Chowk
- Bajaj Nagar Chowk and Laxmi Nagar Chowk
- Mate Chowk and Shraddhanandpeth Chowk
- RPTS Road and Ajni Chowk
- Lokmat Chowk and Kachipura Chowk
The operation also put three Saoji restaurants under the scanner for allegedly permitting unlicensed liquor consumption on their premises. Police acted against public drunkenness along stretches connecting Bajaj Nagar Chowk, Kachipura Chowk, and Pratap Nagar Chowk.
Traffic Violations and Enforcement Team
Beyond public nuisance crimes, the drive also addressed road safety, with eight separate cases registered for motor vehicle and traffic violations. The enforcement was carried out by a dedicated team from the Bajaj Nagar police station. This team included sub-inspectors Shivaji Borkar, Shivaji Kathe, Jayshree Gire, Deepak Pawar, Rahul Beldar, and Pankaj Bavane, supported by beat marshals and other station staff.
This coordinated effort highlights the police department's commitment to enforcing civic laws and ensuring public order. The substantial number of cases and the high-value seizures send a strong message against violations in prominent public areas of Nagpur.
