Govt committed to end Naxalism in Chhattisgarh by March 2026: Amit Shah
Raipur, Dec 15: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the Centre and the Chhattisgarh government were committed to eradicate the menace of Naxalism from the state before March 31, 2026.
When Chhattisgarh becomes free of Naxalism, the entire country will get rid of the menace, Shah said addressing the President's Police Colour Award function at the Police Parade Ground in Raipur.
The Chhattisgarh police have made a significant achievement in the fight against Naxalism in the last one year, he said.
Shah also hailed the Chhattisgarh government's rehabilitation policy for Naxalites and appealed to them to quit violence and join the mainstream.
"The state leadership, the chief minister, the home minister of the state have taken a pledge and the Government of India is also committed to your pledge. Together, we will completely eradicate Naxalism from Chhattisgarh before March 31, 2026. We all are committed to free Chhattisgarh from the clutches of Naxalism before March 31, 2026.," he said.
When Chhattisgarh becomes Naxal free, the entire country will get rid of the menace, the Union minister said, adding it is the state police's resolve to end Naxalism.
The President's Colour is not just an award, it is a symbol of service, dedication and sacrifice and it reminds of the countless challenges that police have to deal with, he said.
Shah expressed confidence that the Chhattisgarh police will discharge their responsibilities and will never step back from their duty.
"I am confident that from tomorrow the jawans of Chhattisgarh police will come out with the President's insignia on their uniforms and their morale will increase manifold," Shah said.
"The Chhattisgarh police have secured a significant achievement in the fight against Naxalism in the last one year...287 Naxalites were neutralised, around 1,000 were arrested and 837 surrendered in the last one year in the state, which reflects the momentum added to the fight against Naxalism. Fourteen top cadres (of Naxalites) were neutralised in the last one year in the state," he said.
For the first time in four decades, the death toll of civilians and security forces in Naxal violence has been brought down to less than 100, Shah said.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Naxalism has been curbed in the entire country in 10 years, he said.
A comparative analysis of the last 10 years (versus the previous decade) shows a remarkable 73 per cent decline in deaths of security personnel and 70 per cent drop in deaths of civilians in Maoist violence, he said.
The Chhattisgarh police along with various security forces of the country have prepared to put the "last nail in the coffin of Naxalism", Shah said.
The Union minister also appealed to Naxalites to quit violence and join the mainstream.
"I would like to appeal to Naxalites that our state government has made a very good surrender policy and therefore they should quit violence. They should join the mainstream, move ahead on the path of development and also contribute to the development of Chhattisgarh," he said.
The state government has been providing a good package to surrendered Naxalites and they should take its benefit, he added.
Shah said the Chhattisgarh police were also running a strong campaign against organised crime and narcotics.
"From January 1 to September 30 this year, 1,100 cases of narcotics were registered, 21,000 kg of ganja and around 1.95 lakh narcotic tablets were seized and 1,400 persons arrested in this connection," he said.
Shah said in 1951, the first President's Police Colour was awarded to the Navy and a minimum of 25 years of service is required to be eligible for this award.
Chhattisgarh, which was formed on November 1, 2000, has received this award before the completion of its 25 years. "I would like to thank the President for honouring Chhattisgarh police's dedication, sacrifice and courage," he said.
Shah said for the past five years, he has been in touch with the Chhattisgarh police on the issue of Naxalism.
"Your passion, your courage, your valour and your dedication....I can say with confidence that the Chhattisgarh police force is one of the bravest among all the police forces in the country," he said.
"Whether it is strengthening law and order, carrying out the fight to make India Naxal free, taking forward the campaign of drug-free India, ensuring public safety or making the life of citizens easier, Chhattisgarh police have never been in the second place, they have always been in the forefront. It is a matter of pride for all of us," he added.
Shah also paid tribute to the country's first home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the occasion of his death anniversary.
"It was Sardar Sahab who unified this country. When we got independence, people around the world used to imagine that more than 356 princely states would not be able to be united and would disintegrate into pieces, but Sardar Sahab's indomitable courage unified this country," he said.
"(Prime Minister) Modi ji's firm determination completed Sardar Saheb's unfinished work and Kashmir was united with India by abrogating Article 370," Shah added.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy CMs Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, state assembly speaker Raman Singh and Director General of Police Ashok Juneja were present on the occasion.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
