Crime surge in city: Minister issues tough warning

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The city is witnessing a worrying surge in lootings, burglaries and thefts, with detection rates hitting alarming lows. Adding to the crisis, illegal sand mining continues unchecked. In response, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam has taken a tough stand ordering stringent action against criminals and warning officials against negligence.

During his first visit to the city, Kadam conducted a law and order review at the Police Commissionerate on Friday. CP Pravin Pawar presented a detailed report on recent police actions, social initiatives, and anti-narcotics operations. Commending the department’s 136 NDPS-related operations over six months leading to the arrest of over 200 offenders Kadam reaffirmed the state’s 'zero tolerance' policy on drugs. He also urged authorities to intensify crackdowns on drug sellers while strengthening awareness programs involving teachers, professors, and parents.

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"I am dissatisfied with the Police"

Expressing frustration over the declining crime detection rate, Kadam admitted his dissatisfaction during a press briefing at the District Collector’s office. In 2023, out of 2,974 serious crimes, police solved only 843 cases. Lokmat Times had previously published an in-depth report on this issue. Over the past three years, the detection rate has plummeted by nearly 50%, raising concerns over the force’s efficiency.

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SIT busts 143 NDPS cases in 10 days Yet drug crimes persist!

Between January 31 and February 10, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) pulled off an intense crackdown, busting 143 NDPS cases. The police have flexed their muscles, ensuring strict enforcement against offenders. And yet despite these efforts drug-related crimes continue to thrive as if criminals never got the memo. The persistent rise in narcotics-related offences raises troubling questions about the depth of the problem and the forces enabling it.

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Crime Statistics

Crime Type - Cases - Solved

Year 2024

Looting: 194 cases | 112 solved

Burglary: 148 cases | 39 solved

Theft: 1,874 cases | 374 solved

Year 2023

Looting: 191 cases | 138 solved

Burglary: 142 cases | 45 solved

Theft: 1,525 cases | 569 solved

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Strict warnings over sand mafia

Kadam also addressed the worsening sand mafia crisis, which has led to conflicts between the revenue and police departments. Issuing a stern warning, he made it clear whether a police officer, revenue official, or political worker no one would be spared if found guilty. He stressed the urgent need for better coordination between departments to clamp down on illegal sand mining. The meeting was attended by DCPs Nitin Bagate, Shilwant Nandedkar and Prashant Swami, along with assistant commissioners and police inspectors.