In a major preventive move, the Nashik city police have externed a total of 519 known criminals from the city limits for a period of 15 days. This decisive action comes in the backdrop of the upcoming Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections and the Makar Sankranti festival.
Pre-Election Crackdown on History-Sheeters
The drive was initiated on the instructions of Police Commissioner Sandeep Karnik, who directed officers to take appropriate action against individuals on police records. The aim is to ensure the civic polls are conducted in a free and fair manner, without any intimidation of voters. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2) Kishor Kale stated that Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) of Ambad and Nashik Road units were asked to review records of history-sheeters and take necessary preventive steps.
Acting on these orders, the police in Zone 2 externed 321 individuals from January 2 to January 16. In a parallel action, Zone 1 police externed another 198 people, bringing the city-wide total to 519.
Focus on Banning Hazardous Nylon Manja
A significant part of this externment drive specifically targeted those involved with the illegal trade of banned nylon manja. The sharp, non-biodegradable thread used for kite flying during Makar Sankranti has caused numerous injuries and fatalities to humans and birds in the past.
Commissioner Karnik issued strict instructions to act against anyone found selling or using this hazardous material. Consequently, out of the 519 externed, a substantial number—137 individuals—were removed due to the possibility of them selling the banned manja, as they had been caught doing so in previous years. The breakdown shows that 64 of those externed from Zone 2 and 73 from Zone 1 were linked to the nylon manja trade.
Ensuring a Fear-Free Environment for Voters
A senior police officer emphasized that the force is maintaining a strict vigil across Nashik city. The officer assured citizens that different drives would be conducted from time to time to create a secure atmosphere. "We will conduct different drives from time to time so that citizens can cast their votes without any fear for the municipal corporation elections," the officer stated.
This large-scale externment, combining election security with festival safety measures, underscores the police department's proactive approach to maintaining law and order during critical periods. The 15-day externment period is expected to cover the sensitive election phase and the peak of the Makar Sankranti celebrations.
