Police launched a crackdown in Nashik

Police’s ‘Operation Cleanup’ to stop drug selling

Nashik, Maharashtra – After a video of a drunken girl and a young man arguing with the police on Nashik-Gangapur Road went viral, the police took action against them and transferred the police inspectors. After that, a case was registered against 10 young men and women. Swift action was taken against rooftop hotels, orchestras (musical band programs), hookah parlours (places where a group consumes liquid aromatic tobacco) and clubs in the city that run until late at night. The police have named it ‘Operation Cleanup’. On the first day, notices were issued to more than 25 cafe and hotel operators. Notices have been issued to restaurants that have been built illegally. ‘Close all bars, liquor shops etc. in the city at the scheduled time. Take immediate action against hookah parlours. Register noise pollution cases against unlicensed permit rooms, orchestras etc.’, Nashik Police Commissioner Sandeep Kini ordered. Drugs like MD, ganja, opium, cocaine are being openly sold and consumed in Nashik and it is seen that these substances are easily available in many pubs, clubs, hotels, hookah parlours.

Hindu Janajagruti Samiti issues a statement

After the video was broadcast in Nashik, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti had protested on February 12 by submitting a statement to the Chief Minister, Director General of Police, District Collector of Nashik and Police Commissioner of Nashik regarding taking strictest action against the growing problem of drug abuse in Nashik city. In this statement, a request was made to save Nashik city from becoming a drug-addicted Punjab to secure the future of Nashik’s youth.

Action taken with the help of Municipal Corporation

The police along with the Municipal Corporation took action against clubs and hotels that were open till late hours and were disturbing public peace. Unauthorized constructions of various hotels were demolished at this time. Action was taken in the College Road and Gangapur Road areas. Gangapur Police Station took this action.

Editorial Perspectives

• The police and administration did a good job of stopping drug sales by launching such a campaign; but why does the campaign take time ? Were the police and administration sleeping while drugs were being sold in broad daylight ?
• It has been seen so far that the drug dens in the city are reopening a few days after the operation. Who is responsible for this ?