Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 19: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday assured the state Assembly that those responsible for attacking the police during the recent violence in Nagpur would face the strictest action.
“I reiterate, those who dared to attack the police in Nagpur will be brought to justice, no matter what. Attacking the police is an unforgivable offense, and we will ensure stringent measures against the culprits,” Fadnavis stated while responding to the debate on the Home Department’s budget proposals. The Assembly subsequently approved the department’s budget allocation of Rs 36,614.68 crore.
The Chief Minister asserted that peace had been restored in Nagpur and that the city had a long-standing reputation for communal harmony, with no major riots since 1992. He claimed that the recent unrest was deliberately incited by certain elements. Addressing allegations regarding the desecration of Aurangzeb’s grave, Fadnavis clarified that there were no inscriptions on the structure, but misinformation was spread to provoke violence.
He warned that those responsible for disturbing social harmony and spreading falsehoods would face strict legal consequences. “We are committed to maintaining law and order, and we will not rest until the perpetrators are held accountable. Some arrests have already been made,” he added.
Refuting claims by Congress leader Nana Patole that he and the Nagpur Police Commissioner made contradictory statements on the incident, Fadnavis maintained that their views were aligned. “The Commissioner stated that investigations are underway to determine whether the violence was premeditated. No conclusions have been drawn yet. There is no discrepancy in our statements,” he clarified.
Fadnavis reaffirmed Maharashtra’s status as a stable and progressive state known for peace and communal harmony. He assured strict action against any attempts to disrupt law and order.
Highlighting the state government’s commitment to increasing crime conviction rates, the Chief Minister announced several measures, particularly for women’s safety. A women’s support cell has been established at every police unit, ensuring that women’s complaints are handled exclusively by female officers.
To expedite justice for crimes under the Women and POCSO Acts, dedicated courts have been set up. Initiatives like the Damini Squad, Nirbhaya Cell, and Bharosa Cell have been launched, providing immediate assistance to women in distress. The state’s 112 emergency helpline, which has the second-fastest response time in the country, is being further strengthened with the goal of becoming the fastest nationwide.
Efforts are also being made to curb human trafficking through dedicated coordination cells. Additionally, the Visakha Committee has been established to address workplace harassment cases effectively.
Fadnavis highlighted the success of Operation Muskan, an initiative aimed at finding missing children. “So far, 38,910 children have been rescued and reunited with their families, earning national recognition for Maharashtra,” he said. A special task force under the POCSO Act has also been deployed, along with the 1098 toll-free helpline, to support child safety efforts.
Recognizing the growing threat of cybercrime, Fadnavis outlined Maharashtra’s proactive measures to combat digital fraud. The state has established 51 cyber labs and a state-of-the-art MahaCyber headquarters in Navi Mumbai, which houses one of India’s most advanced cyber forensic systems. Plans are underway to transform the cybercrime center into a full-fledged corporation to enhance efficiency and professionalism in tackling cyber fraud.
He further emphasized the state’s capacity to resolve cyber crimes within 24 hours, connecting all banks and social media platforms to Maharashtra’s cybercrime network. “Through real-time action, we aim to trace cyber frauds and recover funds lost during the crucial ‘golden hour’ after the crime,” he added.
Fadnavis reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure Maharashtra, warning that those attempting to disrupt law and order would face severe consequences.