BELAGAVI
Since taking charge a month ago, City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase has launched a series of initiatives aimed at curbing crime and improving traffic management in the city. Under Commissioner Borase's leadership, the police intensified crackdowns on drug peddlers, matka bookies, and illegal gamblers. Habitual offenders were warned of stringent action, including the invocation of the Goonda Act or potential exile from the district.
Statistics reveal a significant surge in enforcement activity since January this year, particularly over the past month. Police conducted 20 raids targeting drug peddlers, with the majority taking place in the last 30 days, resulting in 41 arrests. Additionally, 23 individuals were apprehended in narcotic drug consumption cases during the same period. Notably, the number of raids in the past month is the highest recorded in the last three years, as compared to 25 raids in 2024 and 23 in 2023.Similarly, 95 cases against matka bookies and gamblers were registered in Belagavi police stations since Jan, leading to the arrest of 256 individuals.
Most of these cases were also filed within the past month. In comparison, 123 cases were registered in 2023 and 124 in 2024, with total arrests numbering 411 and 326 respectively. In a significant overhaul of traffic enforcement, Borase reduced the number of personnel involved in penalising traffic violators by 90 percent, replacing them with advanced technology. For over a week now, the police have utilised CCTV cameras, body-worn cameras, and smartphones to capture traffic violations. The staff previously assigned for fine collection have been redeployed to focus on traffic management duties, marking a major shift, the Commissioner said.
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“I urge the people to support police department as we work towards a safer and better-managed city,” the Commissioner appealed.