Nagpur: Rural police have invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), 1999, against two gangs, signaling a strong message against elements spreading terror through drugs, illegal arms, and violence in the district.
First Case: Butibori Gang
In the first case registered by MIDC Butibori police, MCOCA was slapped on a three-member gang led by Abhinash Verma, 24. The gang members include Vijay Mahakalkar, 33, and Jangatsingh Dudhani, 41, of Raipur. On April 2, the Local Crime Branch officials had arrested Mahakalkar from a car along with 1 kg of ganja and a loaded gun. A proposal approved by the Special Inspector General of Police, Nagpur Range, led to the addition of MCOCA sections in the case.
Second Case: Interstate Gang
In the second major action, Deolapar police slapped MCOCA on a five-member interstate gang. The kingpin is Danish Abdul Gafur Afridi, 25, a resident of New Anand Nagar, Madhya Pradesh. The gang is believed to be involved in illegal activities across state borders.
Police officials stated that the invocation of MCOCA aims to dismantle organized crime networks operating in the region. The act provides for stricter penalties and provisions for attachment of property acquired through criminal activities.
