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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNagpur<\/span>: As Iron Man Ravinder Singal prepares to leave Nagpur for his next assignment, the outgoing \u2018People\u2019s Commissioner\u2019 says his battle against drugs will continue even in his new role as Additional Director General of Police, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Mumbai.Q: How do you plan to keep the Nagpur legacy alive after moving to Mumbai?<\/span>A. I have already slapped preventive detention under PITNDPS (Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988) on two hardened narcotics offenders. The third is in the pipeline. The Act is so stringent it entails seizing and demolition of properties as proceeds of crime. Also, it ensures a prolonged detention. The law warrants approval from the DG (Anti-corruption) and as Additional DG in the same office, I will ensure the proposal gets a swift nod. Also, in my individual capacity, I will continue the crusade against drugs on social media.Q: You are often called the \u2018People\u2019s Commissioner\u2019, how important was bridging the gap between police and the public?<\/span>A. One of my biggest goals was to bridge the gap between citizens and cops. I believe even a child should not hesitate to approach a police officer. Communication should be with confidence and without restraint. Nagpur is still my city, and the energy, aspirations and potential of its youth inspired me.Q. How did you conceptualize and launch the anti-narcotics mission \u2014 <\/span>Operation Thunder<\/span>?<\/span>A: The battle against drugs became a personal mission after a woman approached me, seeking help for her 16-year-old son, who had become an addict. The trauma in her face stayed with me and eventually led to the launch of Operation Thunder. The objective was to create awareness, encourage rehabilitation, and bring discussions on drug abuse into public domain. We wanted families to feel comfortable seeking help and citizens to actively participate in the fight against narcotics. Most of our successful operations were based on information provided by citizens.Q. How do you plan to prepare for bulldozer action on the narco mafia?<\/span>A: We initiated action against illegal properties amassed by drug kingpins through narcotics proceeds. We have submitted lists of drug kingpins and their properties to Nagpur Municipal Corporation. These criminals amassed assets with drug money, and we have requested civic authorities to legally examine such properties and set the bulldozers rolling. I endeavoured to use provisions available under Section 68 of NDPS Act to facilitate seizure and demolition of assets acquired through drug trafficking.Q: Is Nagpur turning into a transit hub for drug trade due to its geographical location?<\/span>A: Nagpur is not a major producer of drugs, but because of its strategic location, it has emerged as a key transit hub for traffickers. Drugs originating from Afghanistan often move through Punjab, Rajasthan (Golden Crescent) and Madhya Pradesh before reaching Nagpur. There are also routes linked to Laos, Vietnam and North-Eastern states (Golden Triangle). People often say drugs are easily available, but the burning issue is no longer under wraps as we confronted it head-on. The increased number of cases reflects stronger enforcement rather than a rise in acceptance. My efforts stopped Nagpur from becoming another \u2018Udta Punjab\u2019.Q: How successful has Operation Thunder been?<\/span>A: Operation Thunder has resulted in registration of 1,168 NDPS cases, arrest of 1,520 accused and seizure of narcotics of \u20b923 crore. The crackdown covered cannabis, mephedrone (MD), opium, LSD and other narcotics. We conducted intelligence-based raids across the city and busted illicit manufacturing and distribution networks. One of the biggest challenges was the growing shift towards synthetic drugs, particularly MD. Unlike cannabis, synthetic drugs can be manufactured almost anywhere \u2014 a small room is sufficient. We dismantled several manufacturing units running in abandoned factories or desolate buildings. Information on how to manufacture these drugs is readily available on social media and YouTube, this is alarming.Q: What were your successes in terms of policing in Nagpur?<\/span>A: During my tenure, we invoked Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in 35 cases and initiated action under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (MPDA) in 122 cases. Another key initiative was Operation U-Turn to address road fatalities. We deployed around 90 checkpoints daily with breathalyser tests, speed enforcement and drug-detection kits. This helped reduce road accident fatalities by 52% last year and by a further 39% till May. Advanced machines capable of detecting 32 different drugs were deployed, registering 78 cases.Q: Will <\/span>Mahal Riots<\/span> be a sore spot in your Nagpur tenure?<\/span>A: The riots were an unfortunate incident. However, police acted swiftly to contain the situation, prevent serious injuries and minimise property damage. We exercised restraint and relied on crowd-control measures. Several police personnel were injured, but our focus remained on protecting lives, safeguarding property and restoring normalcy.Q: Any message for the youth?<\/span>A: I appeal to youngsters to stay away from drugs and focus on health, wisdom and a bright future.(Soumitra Bose, Sumukh Kulkarni, Siya Punyani, Saara Shrivastava & Payal More)<\/span><\/div>\n