On Wednesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the state Assembly that the guilty would be dealt with severely in connection with attacks on police officers during Monday's violence in Nagpur.
He said, "I repeat, the people who assaulted the police during violence in Nagpur, we will excavate them from their graves. We will not let them go. Everything else can be forgiven, but assaulting the police cannot be." Fadnavis assured that the toughest action would be taken against the culprits in due time.
The Assembly sanctioned the budget demand of the Home Department of Rs 36,614.68 crore during the session.
Speaking on the violence, Fadnavis explained that Nagpur, which has been peaceful since 1992, saw a calculated attempt to instigate unrest. He explained that rumors of the desecration of Aurangzeb's grave—without inscription—resulted in the outbreak of violence. "Messages were circulated saying that the inscriptions were deliberately removed, which resulted in the violence," he said.
The chief minister also denounced the people who were spreading such false information, saying that those who disturb social harmony would be brought to book, and arrests had already been made in relation to the incident. He stressed the government's resolve to see strict action against those who disturb peace.
Rebuking Congress legislator Nana Patole's observation that there were divergent statements between him and the Nagpur Police Commissioner regarding the violence, Fadnavis clarified that they had not issued independent statements. The investigation was ongoing, and it was yet to be concluded whether the violence was planned or not.
Fadnavis assured that Maharashtra is still a peace-loving and progressive state, which is famous for harmony. He cautioned that no one would be spared who tried to break the law and order of the state and highlighted that the government was keen to increase efforts in terms of conviction of crimes.
The Chief Minister also briefed on several steps for ending gender-based violence in the state. A women's cell has been set up at the police station level, where women's complaints are lodged by lady officers alone. He highlighted many programmes such as the Damini Squad, Nirbhaya Cell, and Bharosa Cell, designed to help women in distress. The government has also ensured a quick response of the emergency number 112 with a view to achieving the top ranking state in the nation in response to such incidents.
Maharashtra has initiated coordination cells against human trafficking and a Visakha Committee against atrocities on women. Additionally, Operation Muskan aimed at searching for missing children has been successful in reunifying 38,910 children with their families.
Fadnavis also spoke of the problem of cybercrime and said that 51 cybercrime labs have been established in the state with the latest systems in place. He referred to the establishment of MahaCyber in Navi Mumbai, which would soon function as a corporation for more professional management of cybercrimes. Attempts to crack down on cybercrimes within 24 hours and link banks and social networking sites with the state cyber platform are being made to bolster the battle against cybercrime.
Such measures are in line with the government's overall strategy for upholding law and order and providing safety and security to its people.
Read also| Tharoor Praises PM Modi’s Stand on Russia-Ukraine War, BJP Supports, Congress Disagrees
