Latest news with #RahulMaknikar
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Nagpur Police Issue SOP to Address Rising Heinous Crimes by Juveniles, Allowing Treatment as Adults
Nagpur: In response to a surge in heinous crimes committed by minors, the Nagpur city police have introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to streamline the process of treating juvenile offenders as adults in specific cases. Issued on April 22, 2025, by deputy commissioner of police (crime) Rahul Maknikar under the guidance of police commissioner Ravinder Singal, the SOP aligns with the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, aiming to balance juvenile rehabilitation with public safety. The SOP outlines a structured approach for handling juveniles aged 16 and above accused of heinous offences — crimes carrying a minimum punishment of seven years or more, such as murder, rape, or terrorism-related acts. According to the guidelines, within 10 days of a juvenile being presented before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), the investigating officer must coordinate with the JJB to determine whether the juvenile should be tried as an adult. This decision hinges on a preliminary assessment under Section 15 of the Act, evaluating the juvenile's mental and physical capacity, awareness of consequences, and the circumstances of the offense. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Encontre voos low-cost Voos | Anúncios de Pesquisa Saiba Mais Undo The SOP emphasizes thorough documentation, requiring officers to compile the juvenile's criminal history, evidence of premeditation, birth certificate, and supporting materials like CCTV footage or social media posts. Mental and physical assessments, conducted at govt medical hospitals, further inform whether the juvenile should face adult proceedings. If the JJB deems it appropriate, the case is transferred to a sessions court (special children's court) under Section 18(3), where the public prosecutor argues for adult trial proceedings, as outlined in section 19(1)(i). "The rising involvement of minors in heinous crimes demands a robust framework to ensure justice while adhering to legal provisions. This SOP ensures accountability without compromising the rehabilitative spirit of juvenile justice," said an official, adding that the goal is to expedite inquiries and maintain transparency, ensuring that serious offenders face appropriate consequences. The SOP also mandates monthly reporting, with police stations required to submit detailed tables to the commissioner's office by the first Monday of each month. This facilitates real-time monitoring of juvenile crime trends and compliance with the SOP. The guidelines reflect a proactive response to incidents like the March 2025 Nagpur violence, where seven minors were among 50 arrested, highlighting the growing challenge of juvenile delinquency. Legal experts have welcomed the SOP but caution against its misuse. "While the SOP strengthens the system, it must ensure that juveniles are not unfairly pushed into adult courts without comprehensive assessments, as rehabilitation remains the Act's core principle," said a legal expert. The Nagpur police's SOP marks a significant step in addressing the complex issue of juvenile crime, balancing stringent measures with the protective ethos of the Juvenile Justice Act. As the city grapples with evolving crime patterns, this framework aims to deter serious offenses while safeguarding the rights of young offenders.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Crime branch seeks key info from GST Dept in Rs800cr Biz Scam
1 2 Nagpur: Intensifying its investigation into a massive Rs800 crore business scam, the Nagpur crime branch has sought critical information from the GST department regarding the operations of a fake business cartel. The syndicate, responsible for creating 86 fictitious companies, executed bogus transactions — primarily in the iron and steel sector — to fraudulently claim tax setoffs without depositing any GST, police sources said. The investigation team has requested the GST Dept to provide detailed business records, accounts, and transaction histories of the accused, who face charges of cheating and related offences. The cartel's elaborate modus operandi involved fake invoices, sham transportation receipts, and fictitious companies fronted by office boys and low-level employees posing as proprietors. Deputy commissioner of police (crime), Rahul Maknikar, expressed shock at the syndicate's ability to secure substantial GST set offs without actual tax payments. "Our probe uncovered that these fake entities issued fraudulent invoices and transferred funds to other sham companies, only to withdraw them later. The set offs were likely claimed against these bogus documents," Maknikar said. The DCP emphasised that the investigation is now focusing on whether these GST benefits were approved due to lax verification or complicity from lower-rung taxation officials. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo "We cannot rule out an external nexus of some officials with the syndicate," he added, stating that a reply from the GST department would help unwrap a bigger scam inflicting losses to the govt exchequer. A crime branch team, led by senior inspector Kamlakar Gaddime, recently conducted a search at the office of Anshul Mishra, a key accused who remains on the run. "We seized documents and records that will aid in piecing together the scam's intricacies," Gaddime said. The scale of the fraud has raised alarm in Nagpur's business community. The syndicate's ability to manipulate GST claims sparked concerns about vulnerabilities in the tax system, prompting calls for stricter oversight. As the crime branch digs deeper, the focus remains on dismantling the cartel and identifying any collaborators within the taxation framework. With Mishra still at large and critical documents under review, the investigation promises to uncover further details about one of Nagpur's most audacious financial frauds.
