IPS Somnath Gharge is a 2014 batch Officer of Maharashtra cadre and is currently posted as Superintendent of Police (SP) of Ahilyanagar district- which also includes the important pilgrimage town of Shirdi.

His mission is to safeguard students by clearing all unauthorized paan tapris within 100 metres of educational institutions aiming to ensure safe, clean, and harassment-free zones for the district’s youth.

To address this growing concern of easy access to cigarettes, tobacco, and even drugs, he initiated a survey of educational institutions to identify shops and stalls operating within a 100-metre radius “ In Maharashtra, the government has already passed a resolution prohibiting any paan tapris or paan thelas within a 100-meter jurisdiction of educational institutions.”He quoted 

Despite this what he found was shocking ,the survey revealed more than 350 illegal outlets operating in violation of the law. “This isn’t just about tobacco. Some of these spots also become hubs for drugs and more troublingly, places where girls become vulnerable to harassment” SP Gharge noted.

Taking swift action,he coordinated with local bodies such as Gram Panchayats,Nagar Palikas and with police protection these illegal structures are set to be removed to provide a safer environment for students.

This mission is more than enforcement-it reflects SP Gharge’s commitment to empowering the youth.“The goal is to remove distractions, prevent exposure to harmful substances and safeguard our children”he explained

IPS Somnath Gharge is bringing meaningful change in community development through his proactive and preventive policing initiatives.