Latest news with #Matani
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Police U-Turn: DCP Orders Traffic Cops To Film Violations, Month After CP Says No
1 2 Nagpur: In a move contradicting earlier directives, deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Lohit Matani on Thursday ordered traffic personnel to film rash and negligent drivers on city roads and use the footage to register FIRs under Section 279 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The instruction is aimed at curbing speeding, wrong-side driving, triple-seat riding, and driving by minors. Barely a month ago, CP Ravinder Singal, during the launch of Operation U-Turn on July 10, barred traffic cops from using mobile phones to capture violations. State ADGP (Traffic) Kulwant Kumar Sarangal had also earlier directed police across Maharashtra to refrain from using personal devices for such purposes. Matani has directed every traffic cop to register at least 10 such cases daily, aiming for 100 actions citywide, to instill discipline on the roads. "Video evidence is critical. Personnel should record violations with date, time, and location coordinates, then hand over the accused to the local police station along with a prepared statement," Matani instructed the traffic police personnel from 10 zones present during a press briefing at Police Bhavan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo He said that officers should avoid spending long hours at police stations so as not to disrupt on-ground duty. For minors driving vehicles, FIRs will be filed under Section 199A of the Motor Vehicles Act, which carries penalties of up to 25,000 and three years' imprisonment. Parents or guardians in whose name the vehicle is registered will also face charges. Matani also stressed strict action against drivers using the wrong side, speeding, and triple-seat riding. "These are different forms of rash driving. We must enforce the law consistently to bring discipline," he said. Emphasising that technology like CCTVs and e-challans can assist only "in 10% traffic regulation", Matani said the "90% contribution" comes from officers' presence at designated points. He warned that surprise checks would be conducted, and absence from assigned duty spots would invite action. The DCP further ordered an immediate response to congestion points and continuous patrolling by traffic inspectors. "If you delay by even 15 minutes, the situation worsens. Be there immediately to clear jams," he said. The aggressive enforcement comes amid concerns over rising accidents in both daytime and evening hours. "If we act firmly, we can control rash driving and reduce accidents," Matani asserted. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Private buses banned on city roads from 8am to 10pm to ease traffic congestion
The traffic police have prohibited private operators from parking their buses, picking up or dropping passengers from areas anywhere inside the Inner Ring Road between 8am and 10pm. The month-long order, effective from Aug 13 to Sept 12 is part of an effort of ease traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. The city's narrow roads struggle under the load of nearly 20 lakh two-wheelers and 5 lakh four-wheelers. Long-distance buses add to the chaos by halting illegally, choking junctions, and endangering pedestrians. Deputy commissioner of police (Traffic) Lohit Matani, in the August 12 order, listed key trouble spots - Central Avenue, Variety Square, Cotton Market, Sneh Nagar Bus Stop, Rahate Colony Square, Great Nag Road near the central bus stand, Dighori Square, Automotive Square, and Indora Square - where buses routinely stop without authorisation. Many buses lack designated parking or pick-up points, and due to their large size and wide turning radius, boarding and alighting of passengers often obstruct traffic, heightening risk of accidents. While operators like Saini, Mahatma, Baba, Sawan, Maa Durga, and Khurana Travels have their own premises and some use pay-and-park facilities, a large number of buses run without proper arrangements, resulting in widespread illegal parking. This causes significant inconvenience to local residents and daily commuters, including office-goers. A traffic police study shows heavy daily bus movement across major routes - 642 on Wardha-Yavatmal-Chandrapur, 190 on Amravati-Pune-Nashik, 78 on Koradi-Chhindwara, 296 on Jabalpur-Bhopal-Indore, 92 on Bhandara-Gondia-Chhattisgarh, and 308 on Bramhapuri-Gadchiroli via Umred Road. Authorities have stressed that all such services should operate from outside the city limits, while passengers can use Metro, taxis, auto-rickshaws and other transport options to reach these hubs. Operators have seven days to alter routes, update booking portals and shift pick-up and drop-off points outside the Inner Ring Road unless they own authorised premises. Violations will be prosecuted under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Matani has appealed for cooperation from operators and commuters, calling the move vital to "minimise inconvenience and ensure smooth traffic movement" during the busy pre-festival period.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Private buses banned on city roads from 8am to 10pm to ease traffic congestion
Nagpur: The traffic police have prohibited private operators from parking their buses, picking up or dropping passengers from areas anywhere inside the Inner Ring Road between 8am and 10pm. The month-long order, effective from August 13 to September 12, 2025, is part of an effort of ease traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. The city's narrow roads struggle under the load of nearly 20 lakh two-wheelers and 5 lakh four-wheelers. Long-distance buses add to the chaos by halting illegally, choking junctions, and endangering pedestrians. Deputy commissioner of police (Traffic) Lohit Matani, in the August 12 order, listed key trouble spots — Central Avenue, Variety Square, Cotton Market, Sneh Nagar Bus Stop, Rahate Colony Square, Great Nag Road near the central bus stand, Dighori Square, Automotive Square, and Indora Square — where buses routinely stop without authorisation. Many buses lack designated parking or pick-up points, and due to their large size and wide turning radius, boarding and alighting of passengers often obstruct traffic, heightening risk of accidents. While operators like Saini, Mahatma, Baba, Sawan, Maa Durga, and Khurana Travels have their own premises and some use pay-and-park facilities, a large number of buses run without proper arrangements, resulting in widespread illegal parking. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo This causes significant inconvenience to local residents and daily commuters, including office-goers. A traffic police study shows heavy daily bus movement across major routes — 642 on Wardha–Yavatmal–Chandrapur, 190 on Amravati–Pune–Nashik, 78 on Koradi–Chhindwara, 296 on Jabalpur–Bhopal–Indore, 92 on Bhandara–Gondia–Chhattisgarh, and 308 on Bramhapuri–Gadchiroli via Umred Road. Authorities have stressed that all such services should operate from outside the city limits, while passengers can use Metro, taxis, auto-rickshaws and other transport options to reach these hubs. Operators have seven days to alter routes, update booking portals and shift pick-up and drop-off points outside the Inner Ring Road unless they own authorised premises. Violations will be prosecuted under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Matani has appealed for cooperation from operators and commuters, calling the move vital to "minimise inconvenience and ensure smooth traffic movement" during the busy pre-festival period. # Exemptions for... MSRTC buses at official depots, buses transporting Mihan and MIDC employees with prior permission Wedding and private function buses with approval, as well as ambulances, emergency vehicles School buses, special services for senior citizens, women and devotional tourism Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
08-08-2025
- Time of India
58% Hit-And-Run Victims Are Senior Citizens: DCP Matani
Nagpur: A staggering 58% of hit-and-run victims in the city are senior citizens, those above the age of 60, revealed DCP (traffic) Lohit Matani on Friday. Speaking at a traffic safety event, where reflective bands and pouches were distributed to the elderly by commissioner of police Ravinder Singal, Matani emphasised the need to enhance senior citizen safety on roads. Citing traffic analysis data, Matani said, "Most fatal accidents involving senior citizens occur before 10am, during their morning walks or commutes. Due to age-related decline in reflexes, many are unable to react swiftly to oncoming vehicles." He added that poor visibility during early morning hours further impairs drivers' ability to spot pedestrians, making reflective gear critical. "In 2024, out of 104 pedestrian deaths, 60 were senior citizens. This year, 51 such deaths have occurred so far, with 30 being elderly victims. Our efforts, like distributing reflective bands, are aimed at reducing these numbers," Matani said. He also highlighted the success of Operation U-Turn, stating that it has led to zero accidents at previously dangerous intersections. Navil Kasad, a volunteer from traffic NGO Janakrosh, spoke about citizen-police collaboration. "We've been associated with the traffic department since childhood, but after retirement, Janakrosh gave us a way to contribute again. We spread awareness that traffic rules exist for your safety — neither the police nor we gain anything from enforcing them." Kasad also stressed that many riders wear helmets without securing the straps, which renders them ineffective in accidents. "We need defensive driving and genuine safety habits," he said. Joint commissioner of police Navinchandra Reddy said that the department has intensified action through operations like Thunder, Shakti, and U-Turn. "Initially, there was resistance to Operation U-Turn, but now 50–100 offenders are booked daily. Drunk driving is our main focus, as it endangers not just the driver but all road users," he said. BOX: Citizen Support Key to Crackdowns: CP Singal Nagpur: Commissioner of police Ravinder Singal on Friday credited strong citizen collaboration and NGO partnerships for the success of ongoing traffic and crime crackdowns in the city. "Whether it's humid or pouring rain, my officers stand overnight at nakabandis. We've stayed committed in all conditions," he said. He added that citizen participation had been instrumental in the massive crackdowns in Operation Thunder, which was one of the country's most extensive enforcement drives. Singal noted that in the past 19 months, more than 600 crimes have been reduced compared to last year, and 63 fewer deaths have occurred in the last seven months alone. "This shows we're moving in the right direction," he said. Despite requests from clubs to avoid checkpoints, Singal said, "If you're drunk, get someone else to drive. We will continue nakabandis." Traffic teams prepare detailed reports daily, and inputs from youth groups are also being welcomed. "Pedestrian deaths and young lives lost to rash driving are alarming. We are working with young citizens to plan awareness drives that truly benefit them," Singal added. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Time of India
‘One Day, One Gang' drive brings crime down by 28% in West Nagpur
Nagpur: The 'One Day, One Gang' drive launched by Zone 1 DCP Lohit Matani has resulted in a sharp decline in crime rate in West Nagpur. According to official stats, the crime rate dropped 28% in Zone 1, comprising Wadi, MIDC, Hingna, Pratap Nagar, Bajaj Nagar and Sonegaon police stations, from January to June 2025 as compared to the same period last year. In a crackdown against organised crime and gangs, police have externed 120 criminals and sent another five behind bars for a year under the stringent Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities (MPDA) Act. " We have disrupted the ecosystem of organised crime in West Nagpur. We encouraged registration of offences and, wherever possible, initiated coercive actions against habitual offenders," said Matani. The drive was launched under the guidance of CP Ravinder Singal. According to police sources, the largest-ever externment operation in Nagpur led to the banishment of 15 criminal gangs and several habitual offenders from the city and rural limits for two years. "We made it compulsory for the cops to target one gang each day and check on one of its gangsters daily," Matani said. The 'One Day, One Gang' initiative includes daily foot patrols, combing operations, and rigorous checks in crime-prone areas, increasing police presence and visibility across West Nagpur. According to official data, the total number of crimes in Zone 1 dropped from 480 (from January to June) in 2024 to 348 in the corresponding period of 2025. Crimes against people and property also saw a significant decline, with attempted murder cases falling from 8 to 3, robbery from 4 to none, chain snatching from 3 to none, and rape cases dropping from 30 to 18. Similarly, motorcycle thefts reduced from 134 to 92, while total thefts declined from 199 to 154. Matani's team also invoked Section 111 of the BNS against two criminals and charged 108 others under Section 163 of the BNS to ensure public safety during festivals and events. Beyond enforcement, the police team also targeted illegal activities such as gambling, illicit liquor sales, hookah parlours, and drug trafficking. Informants were deployed to monitor externed criminals, while searches of their residences and restrictions on movement helped dismantle criminal networks further. Complementing these efforts, Matani's 'Police Uncle, Police Sister' campaign worked to build community trust by educating students on safe touch, the risks of addiction, and civic responsibilities. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
