Operation Thunder: Compassion, Courage, and the Collective Fight Against Addiction

By Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal, Commissioner of Police, Nagpur City

Today, as part of Operation Thunder, I had the opportunity to visit the Sankalp Vyasanmukti Kendra in Hingna, Nagpur. As police officers, we carry the responsibility of curbing the drug menace in the city through law enforcement, intelligence, and sustained operations. But the question that concerns me equally is this: What about the people who fall victim to addiction?

Drug abuse is not merely a crime-it is a disease, a trap, and a painful journey for individuals and their families. Those who consume drugs are not offenders in my eyes; they are victims in need of guidance, treatment, empathy, and a second chance. This thought pushed me to go deeper, to understand the root causes, the human stories, and the pathways that lead people into dependency. That is why I visited the centre today-not just as Commissioner of Police, but as a citizen who believes that every life can be rebuilt.

Understanding the Ground Reality

Mr. Pravin Tiprawar, Director of Sankalp Vyasanmukti Kendra, briefed us on the centre’s functioning. With 91 patients currently undergoing rehabilitation, the organisation is doing commendable service to the community. For those who cannot afford private treatment, the centre guides them toward support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, where peer learning and shared experiences create powerful healing environments.

Every visit like this strengthens my conviction that enforcement alone cannot solve this crisis. Awareness, rehabilitation, and societal support are equally important pillars.

Operation Thunder: A Holistic Approach Against Drugs

Operation Thunder is not a policing campaign; it is a movement built on four strong pillars:

1. Awareness & Community Engagement

We organise educational lectures, school sessions, college interactions, and community meetings to ensure people understand the dangers of addiction.

2. Strong Enforcement

We continue to execute targeted raids, recover narcotics, arrest suppliers, and break the supply chain relentlessly.

3. Confidential Support for Families

When a parent or friend approaches us for help for a loved one, we ensure complete confidentiality and guide them towards professional support.

4. Compassionate Policing

We see addiction as a social illness. Our role is not just to arrest – it is also to assist, protect, and rehabilitate.

This humanitarian approach makes Operation Thunder more meaningful, more impactful, and more transformative.

Lessons From the Interaction: Hope Is Stronger Than Addiction

During my interaction with the patients, I shared a simple message:

You are not alone.

Your families are waiting for you to return to a healthy and fulfilling life. Many people lose health, wealth, dignity, and relationships to addiction, but recovery restores everything-confidence, respect, and meaning.

I reminded them that we get only one life. What we make of it depends on our determination. Replace “I cannot do this” with “Yes, I can.” Lean on your families, your friends, and remember-the police stand with you, not against you.

I also shared a personal anecdote: people often know me by my designations, but what makes me proudest is my daughter’s achievement of becoming an Ironman. This teaches us that children draw inspiration from their parents. When you rebuild your life, your family-especially your children-will draw strength from your journey.

A Police Force That Stands with Rehabilitation Efforts

I was glad to have DCP Zone 1, Shri Rishikesh Reddy, accompany me during the visit. His words to the patients reaffirmed our collective intention: to build a healthier, safer, and addiction free Nagpur.

I also deeply appreciate the staff of Sankalp Vyasanmukti Kendra for their patience, emotional strength, and unwavering dedication. They do not just manage a centre-they save lives every single day.

Before concluding the session, we distributed games like Ludo and Chess to promote a positive environment and mental relaxation. We also shared inspirational books-including some of my own writings-during one-on-one interactions.

A Message to All Rehabilitation Centres

This blog is also a tribute to every organisation working silently in the field of deaddiction.

Your work is noble, tough, and emotionally demanding.

The police force is with you.

Share information with us.

Let us collaborate to stop the supply, protect the youth, and create an ecosystem where every recovering individual feels supported, respected, and empowered.

A Collective Movement for a Drug Free Future

Operation Thunder is not just about enforcement-it is about restoring families, rebuilding confidence, and reclaiming lives. When police, society, rehabilitation centres, and families work together, transformation becomes possible.

Together, we can build a Nagpur-and a nation-where every individual lives with dignity, health, and purpose.

Also Read: Operation Thunder: Nagpur Police’s Bold Stand Against Drug Trafficking – Dr. Ravinder Singal

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