21 Slum Kids Excel in Exams, Spark Change in Nagpur's Crime-Plagued Slums In Nagpur’s Mahakali Nagar slums, a group of 21 students has become a symbol of resilience after excelling in state board Class 12 (HSC) and Class 10 (SSC) examinations, despite growing up in an area once notorious for crime. The students, who witnessed police raids and confrontations with local gangsters, were recently felicitated by law enforcement officials for their academic achievements. The recognition marks a significant turnaround for the neighborhood, which had long been plagued by violence, property crimes, and a culture of fear. The slums, located under the jurisdiction of Beltarodi police station, were historically a hub for criminal activity. Between 2020 and 2023, the area saw a surge in offenses, including violent crimes against women, property theft, and assaults on police personnel. Residents often faced daily threats, with reports of goons’ homes being set ablaze and frequent police raids. However, the community’s fortunes began to shift after sustained efforts by local authorities to engage with residents and address underlying issues. Senior Inspector Mukund Kawade of Beltarodi police station played a pivotal role in this transformation. He spearheaded initiatives that combined community policing with preventive measures, creating a safer environment for students to focus on education. Kawade’s efforts included distributing educational materials, organizing meetings with residents, and fostering trust between the police and the community. “We motivated students with books and other educational facilities,” Kawade explained. “It took sustained community policing and preventive actions to create a conducive environment for education.#nagpur #mukund_kawade #ravinder_singal #beltarodi_police_station #mahakali_nagar
