Latur cop’s preventive cell took action against 1,200 since Jan 1

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Latur police, in a major step to tighten noose around criminals and illegal activities, have set up a dedicated "preventive cell" at the office of the superintendent of police to initiate stringent legal action against habitual and repeat offenders and maintain law and order in the district. SP Amol Tambe said that additional SP Mangesh Chavan has been tasked with personally supervising the special cell that comprises one specially trained officer and five personnel, tasked with initiating preventive action within the legal framework against history-sheeters, gang members and those repeatedly involved in criminal offences
Explaining the objective behind the initiative, Tambe said, "The cell has been set up to ensure that habitual and repeat offenders are dealt with strictly within the ambit of law before their activities escalate into serious crimes. Our priority is to maintain public order, instill confidence among citizens and create a safe and fear-free environment in Latur district."The move is aimed at curbing gang-related crimes, extortion, repeated assaults, illegal possession of weapons and acts that trigger social or communal tension. Authorities noted that in several cases, witnesses hesitate to come forward due to fear, making preventive provisions crucial to maintaining public confidence and safety.The cell has so far invoked multiple legal provisions, including sections 55, 56 and 57 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, sections 126 and 129 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the MPDA Act; and section 93 of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949.Between Jan 1 and Feb 21, the Latur police have initiated action against 1,206 individuals under section 126 of the BNSS, including 125 cases handled by the additional SP. Under section 129 of the BNSS, preventive action was taken against 40 individuals, out of whom 31 cases were acted upon as per orders of the additional SP.Under section 55 of the Maharashtra Police Act, action was taken against one gang. Eight externment proposals under section 56 have been forwarded to sub-divisional magistrates — three each in Ahmedpur and Latur, and two in Nilanga.