The strict security measures enforced in riot-affected areas between March 17 and March 23 led to a sharp decline in crimes such as robberies, accidents, and violent offenses. With heavy police deployment and restricted public movement, criminals found little opportunity to operate, particularly in Kotwali, Tehsil, and Ganeshpeth police station jurisdictions. Curfew restrictions also ensured no reported offenses in Lakadganj, Shantinagar, Yashodharanagar, and Kapil Nagar police station areas.
Despite heightened police vigilance, cow smugglers attempted to operate in Pachpaoli on Sunday, March 23. A pickup truck transporting bovines was intercepted, but the accused managed to flee, abandoning the vehicle and the cattle.
While overall crime rates declined, opportunistic criminals took advantage of certain situations. On March 21, an unidentified miscreant broke into a house in Nandanvan while the owner was asleep upstairs, stealing valuables.
Meanwhile, police raided a gambling den in Imamwada on March 22. On March 21, two externed criminals were caught carrying sharp-edged weapons in Sakkardara and Pachpaoli police station areas.
The riots on Monday, March 21, were allegedly triggered by rumors that a ‘chadar’ with holy inscriptions was burned during protests organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The demonstration, demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, escalated into violence.
Mobs vandalized vehicles, hurled petrol bombs and stones at police, and attacked houses, injuring 33 police personnel, including three DCP-rank officers.
Nagpur Police imposed a curfew in 11 police station areas to curb further unrest, deploying Quick Response Teams (QRT) and State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) units in sensitive locations. After gradual relaxation of restrictions, Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal lifted the curfew on Sunday, March 23, in the afternoon, restoring normalcy while keeping strict security measures in place.
The security clampdown in riot-affected areas resembled the COVID-19 lockdown when strict restrictions and police patrolling led to a decline in crime. Just as movement curbs during the pandemic resulted in fewer accidents, thefts, and violent offenses, the recent curfew in central Nagpur produced a similar effect.
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