Nagpur a learning lab for cops, says outgoing CP Singal | Nagpur News

Outgoing Nagpur police commissioner Ravinder Singal being honoured at his farewell ceremony in Nagpur on Saturday.

Nagpur: Outgoing Nagpur police commissioner Ravinder Singal on Saturday described Nagpur as a “learning lab” for police officers and urged colleagues to treat their posting in the city as an opportunity to gain experience that could be replicated across Maharashtra and the country.Addressing officers and staff at Police Bhavan, Singal said he was the city’s third longest-serving police commissioner. “I fought battles against drugs and other social evils in Nagpur. It’s now up to the next police commissioner to carry it forward,” said Singal, who was accompanied by joint commissioner of police Navinchandra Reddy, and other senior officers.Stressing the importance of compassionate policing, Singal said empathy should be at the core of every interaction. “Anyone visiting a police station, women, children or elderly should be treated with respect. Listen to their problems, try to find solutions and address their grievances. Even if an immediate solution is not possible, listening patiently solves half their problems,” he said.He said the same approach should extend to interactions within the police force. Singal, who will take charge as additional director general in the Anti-Corruption Bureau also rejected the perception of Nagpur as a crime-ridden city. “Nagpur is not a crime capital. It is like any other city, with immense opportunities to learn,” he said, urging people not to spread misconceptions.Highlighting the force’s achievements during his tenure, Singal said preventive action under Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (MPDA) and Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) had yielded results.“As of today, the city recorded at least nine fewer murders than in the corresponding period last year,” he said. He added police invoked MPDA 122 times and MCOCA in more than 24 cases during his tenure, claiming it was probably the highest in Maharashtra.On his future plans, Singal said social service would remain a priority. He recalled launching Mission Mukti, an initiative that rescued nearly 750 homeless people from the streets. “There is no point playing the blame game. One has to act to the best of one’s ability. As police commissioner, I launched Mission Mukti after seeing a homeless man drinking from a gutter. That sight shook me. It no longer matters who saves a life. What matters is that a life is saved,” he said.Calling his tenure as Nagpur police commissioner “a memorable journey”, Singal said he cherishes the memories. “Not every mission could be completed, but I gave it my best,” he said.