Nashik: D S Swami took charge as superintendent of police (SP) of Nashik Rural on Saturday. He succeeds outgoing SP Balasaheb Patil who has been transferred to Mumbai as the deputy commissioner of police (DCP).In Ahilyanagar, Mummaka Sudarshan took charge as the SP from the outgoing officer Somnath Gharge. Speaking to TOI, both SPs stated they would assess the current law and order situation in their respective districts before outlining their specific plans.Swami is no stranger to the region as he served about a decade ago and was actively involved in the preparations for the last Simhastha Kumbh. He intends to utilize that experience for the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Trimbakeshwar.Residents still recall his previous tenure as Nashik DCP where he was known for personally taking to the streets to crack down on anti-social elements. “It is too early to spell out a specific plan for the rural district. However, maintaining law and order is the top priority. I will take stock of the situation before deciding on a formal roadmap,” Swami told TOI. Beyond general policing, Swami will need to focus on the illicit liquor trade and the high rate of road accidents. Nashik Rural records approximately 900 deaths due to road accidents, consistently ranking among the top three districts for traffic-related deaths.Meanwhile, following the transfer of Srikant Dhivre to Jalgaon, residents of Dhule district are awaiting the appointment of a new SP. Similarly, the post of Additional SP of Malegaon remains vacant
