DGP Sadanand Date urges newly commissioned sub-inspectors to remain tech-competent amid evolving crimes

Nashik: Director general of police Sadanand Date on Tuesday urged 583 newly commissioned police sub-inspectors (PSI) to remain technologically adept and continuously upskill to tackle the growing threat of cyber and economic crimes. He also exhorted the new officers to raise awareness against drug abuse among youth.“Rapid technological advancements have led to a proportional rise in cyber and financial offences. To effectively combat these challenges, there is a need for police personnel to stay updated with modern tools and continuously acquire new knowledge even after completing their formal training,” Date said, while speaking as the chief guest at the passing-out parade of the 127th batch of PSI cadets at the Maharashtra Police Academy (MPA) in Nashik.The director general of police (DGP) also drew attention to the increasing drug abuse among the youth and the challenges posed by the easy availability of narcotics. “The newly inducted police officers will be expected to maintain law and order while taking strong action against drug-related activities and spreading awareness among the public,” Date said.The trainees underwent a 12-month training programme that covered key areas like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), local and special laws, forensic science, cybercrime, criminology, weapon handling, physical training, firing practice and yoga, among others.The ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including MPA director Nawal Bajaj, Nashik police commissioner Sandeep Karnik, Nashik range special inspector general Sanjay Yenpure, and Nashik rural superintendent of police D S Swami.Among the award winners, Utkarsha Ujjwala Shashikant Jadhav received the prestigious ‘Revolver of Honour’ for being the best trainee. She was also recognised as the ‘All-Rounder Woman Cadet’ and ‘All-Rounder Cadet’ of the batch. Other awardees included Vaishali Savita Arjun Jadhav, who won 'Silver Baton’ for excellence in academics, Mohan Chamabai Machhindra Palampalli, who was awarded Best Cadet in Outdoor training and named the second-best trainee, Raju Jaya Dattatray Jadhav, who excelled in rifle and revolver shooting, Baliram Dhondubai Maneji Budse, who was honoured as Best Cadet in Drill, and Amruta Maya Subhash Jadhav, who received the award for Best Cadet in Law.DGP reviews Kumbh prepsDGP Date also convened a high‑level meeting with senior city and rural police officers to assess preparations for the 2027 Simhastha Kumbh Mela.During the review, Date examined plans related to security deployment, parking, crowd control and police welfare. Anticipating the deployment of over 50,000 police personnel in the district, the DGP also inspected proposed accommodation facilities. He directed officials to ensure proper hygiene standards, quality food and drinking water and adequate medical care for the personnel stationed during the event.The Nashik‑Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela Authority has projected a record turnout of more than 12 crore devotees for the mega event, posing significant logistical and administrative challenges. Preparations are being scaled up accordingly, with a strong focus on infrastructure development, crowd movement, sanitation, disaster management, technology integration and security arrangements.