60 homeless rescued by cops

Nagpur: A joint multi-agency team under Nagpur Police's flagship ‘Mission Mukti-3' initiative rescued 60 homeless and vulnerable individuals from across the city on the second day of Nautapa, the traditional nine-day period of intense summer heat.The special drive was conducted at LIC Chowk, Samvidhan Chowk, Indore Chowk, Automotive Chowk, Mithanim Dargah, Gaddigodam Chowk and Kadbi Chowk, among other locations, on Tuesday.Of the 60 rescued persons, six were minor beggars, 11 were women and 43 were men. All were shifted to shelter homes, including NMC-run Bhikshekari Nivara Gruha, Divya Vandana Aadhar Foundation, Hitjyoti Foundation, Sahyadri Foundation, and Aastha Shelter Home. The rescued individuals were provided medical check-ups, first aid, food, hydration, and protection from extreme heat.During the operation, a 74-year-old missing person, Surendra Khetrapal, was found at Indora Chowk and reunited with his son, Somesh.Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal said the initiative aims to make Nagpur a safer city. "Instead of offering alms, we are focusing on shifting and rehabilitating such individuals so they receive proper care and are not exposed to heatwave risks," he said. Senior officials including NMC commissioner Vipin Itankar, district women and child development officer Sunil Mesre and assistant commissioner of social welfare Sukeshani Telgote participated in the campaign. Child Protection Cell head Mushtak Pathan and Child Helpline teams also supported the rehabilitation of rescued minors.Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to extend support to beggars and individuals without Aadhaar or ration cards under Mission Mukti. Special provisions under the Chief Minister's Relief Fund will also cover critical treatments, including cancer, heart ailments, and neurological disorders, ensuring access to medical care for those in need.Officials said this was one of the largest single-day rescues under the ongoing third phase of Mission Mukti. More than 500 vulnerable individuals have been rescued and rehabilitated across all three phases of the campaign so far.The city has witnessed several suspected heat-related deaths in recent days, with victims found on footpaths, roads and open spaces, exposed to extreme heat, dehydration and exhaustion. The deceased include both identified and unidentified homeless individuals.