Nagpur: In a landmark decision aimed at tackling the acute manpower crunch in the state police force, the Maharashtra Government has empowered head constables and qualified constables and Police Naiks to officially investigate criminal cases. The move, announced through a recent order by the State Home Department, marks a significant shift in policing protocol. Until now, only officers of the rank of Sub-Inspector and above were authorized to conduct investigations. Now, over 45,000 head co