The city of Nashik has experienced a dramatic and welcome decline in homicide cases following the launch of a stringent police campaign targeting organised crime networks. After a troubling spike that saw 41 murders until the end of September, the period from October 8 to December 29 recorded only three such incidents, marking a significant turnaround in law and order.
The 'Fortress of Law' Initiative Takes Root
This remarkable drop is attributed to the special drive 'Nashik Zilla Kaydyacha Balekilla' (Nashik District Fortress of Law), initiated by Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik. The campaign focused on synchronised action against organised criminal gangs, extortion rackets, and offenders with political connections. Commissioner Karnik stated that the rising crime was linked to street crime glorified on social media, prompting the need for harsh measures to instil fear in criminals. "We struck at the roots, and this had a remarkable impact on criminals, which reflected in the crime rate," he explained.
Viral Apologies and Crackdown on Social Media Glorification
A unique and widely discussed aspect of the campaign was the 'special counselling' sessions conducted by the police. Videos went viral on social media showing local politicians and political workers, with folded hands, chanting the campaign's slogan after these sessions. The police also targeted anti-social elements creating reels that glorified criminal activity. These individuals were traced, brought to police stations, made to delete their content, and forced to upload apology videos where they repeated the 'Nashik Zilla Kaydyacha Balekilla' mantra.
Simultaneously, action was taken against hundreds of troublemakers found drinking in public or spreading fear among citizens. The campaign successfully broke a deadly streak: while 7 murders occurred in September alone and 4 in the first week of October, the numbers plummeted thereafter. The last murder case of the year was registered on December 28, involving a 28-year-old auto-rickshaw driver under the Mumbai Naka police station jurisdiction.
Political Support and Public Appreciation
The police commissioner's firm stance against individuals with criminal records, irrespective of their political links, garnered substantial public appreciation. The campaign also received high-level political backing. On October 10, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis posted on X (formerly Twitter) in support, asserting that no criminal would be spared regardless of political affiliation. Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan also publicly commended Commissioner Karnik's work.
Looking ahead, Commissioner Karnik has affirmed that the action will continue with zero tolerance for street crime. This is particularly crucial to ensure the peaceful conduct of the upcoming Simhastha event. "The action will continue in the future. There will be zero tolerance against street crime to ensure that the upcoming Simhastha is held on a peaceful note without the menace of anti-socials," Karnik stated, underscoring the police's commitment to sustaining the improved security environment in Nashik.
