Warora man with 18 cases booked under MPDA Act
A Warora resident facing 18 criminal cases has been detained for a year under the MPDA Act on the district magistrate's orders.
Deva alias Devidas Bhaiyaji Naukarkar, a resident of Warora in Chandrapur district, has been ordered detained for one year under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (MPDA Act), which targets slumlords, bootleggers, drug offenders, dangerous persons and other habitual offenders. District Magistrate Vasumana Pant issued the order on September 24, 2026.
According to police, 18 cases are registered against Naukarkar at Warora police station, including murder, illegal liquor sale, and offences under the Arms Act and gambling laws. Police said his continued criminal activities had created widespread fear among the public in Warora and surrounding areas. Police said they had taken various preventive actions against him before, but he continued his offences undeterred by the law.
Taking note of his growing criminal activity, Superintendent of Police Ayush Nopani prepared a proposal for detention under the MPDA Act (as amended in 2009 and 2015). The proposal was sent for approval to District Magistrate and Collector Vasumana Pant. After examining the case details, the offences registered against Naukarkar and the local situation in the Warora area, Pant gave the final order detaining the accused, Deva alias Devidas Bhaiyaji Naukarkar, for one year.
Police said action is being taken against habitual offenders to maintain peace in the district during the festive season, and that the detention is preventive in nature. The action, coming ahead of Ganeshotsav, has caused a stir in criminal circles, and residents have expressed satisfaction.
The action was carried out under the guidance of Superintendent of Police Ayush Nopani and Additional Superintendent of Police Ishwar Katkade. It involved Warora Sub-Divisional Police Officer Santosh Bakal, Local Crime Branch Police Inspector Amol Kachore, Warora police station in-charge Omprakash Sontakke and Assistant Police Inspector Yogesh Kharsan. Police administration warned that similarly strict action will continue against anti-social elements who disturb peace and law and order in the district in future.
