In a sweeping year-long operation, the police range in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad) has dealt a massive blow to illegal enterprises across four districts. The intensive drive resulted in raids at nearly 15,000 locations, leading to the seizure of contraband and assets valued at a staggering Rs 109 crore. Authorities registered cases against a total of 17,783 offenders involved in various unlawful activities.
Public Participation Fuels the Crackdown
The campaign, which covered the districts of Nanded, Hingoli, Latur, and Parbhani, received a significant boost from public cooperation. A dedicated helpline named 'Khabar', launched on May 1, 2025, empowered villagers to anonymously tip off the police about illegal operations in their areas. This initiative, championed by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Shahaji Umap, transformed local residents into active partners in law enforcement.
"The helpline proved to be a major force multiplier in identifying hotspots and repeat offenders," revealed police sources. DIG Umap had instructed all districts under his range to launch a coordinated assault to uproot the networks of illegal businesses. Acting on these orders, special teams, alongside local police station personnel, targeted a wide spectrum of crimes.
District-Wise Breakdown of the Action
The crackdown yielded impressive results in each district, with Nanded taking the lead. Nanded Superintendent of Police Abinash Kumar reported that the district saw the highest number of cases. Police conducted 4,320 raids, confiscating property worth Rs 53.68 crore and registering cases against 5,353 individuals.
Latur district followed closely. Superintendent of Police Amol Tambe stated that 4,166 raids were carried out, leading to seizures worth Rs 17.88 crore and cases filed against 4,654 people.
In Parbhani, Superintendent of Police Ravindrasingh Pardeshi oversaw 3,744 raids. This action resulted in confiscations valued at Rs 19.23 crore and cases against 4,126 accused.
Hingoli district, under the leadership of Superintendent of Police Shrikrishna Kokate, executed 3,610 raids. These operations led to seizures amounting to Rs 18.93 crore and the registration of cases against 3,650 individuals.
Targeting Habitual Offenders and Major Crimes
The police focus was on dismantling entrenched illegal operations. The raids specifically targeted illicit liquor brewing and sale, illegal liquor outlets, matka and gambling dens, unauthorized sand mining and transportation, and narcotics-related activities.
Beyond raids and seizures, the police took stringent preventive action against habitual offenders. A total of 123 persons involved in illegal businesses and unauthorized sand transportation were externed (banished) from their respective districts for periods ranging from 6 months to 1 year. Furthermore, 6 individuals involved in the illicit liquor and ganja trade were detained under the MPDA Act for 1 year.
This comprehensive campaign highlights a determined effort by the Nanded police range to cleanse the region of organized illegal activities, leveraging both strategic police work and crucial community intelligence to achieve record-breaking results.
