Expressing concern over the gruesome killing of additional collector Yashwant Sonawane at Manmad, home minister RR Patil said on Thursday that he has announced an immediate crackdown on the fuel adulteration mafia across the state.
Sources later said that the minister's declaration has put the city cops on alert and they have started studying earlier records to try and trace the fuel mafia in the city. In the past twenty fours, Maharashtra police have reportedly raided many centres across the state and arrested over 20 persons involved in the racket.
Patil said at a press conference on Thursday that a detailed inquiry has been ordered in the Manmad case and there would be strict action against the culprits. He was speaking to the media during a visit to Nagpur police commissioner's office on Republic day.
The home minister admitted that officers from food and civil supplies department and police personnel have come in harm's way while conducting raids on kerosene, fuel and other illicit products. "Hence, hereafter, before conducting a raid, the officials will first have to coordinate with police officials and other authorities. Also, the officer should be accompanied by four to five persons," said Patil.
"The Manmad incident is heart-rending. It shows the cruelty of the miscreants. I hope such incidents do not happen again, just for the sake of money. But to stop such cases, eradication of fuel and kerosene adulteration is a must," Patil added.
He said that miscreants and gangs involved in these acts will be arrested as soon as possible, even as he defended the cops for their inaction until now. "Due to lack of manpower, unless they are informed about specific raids, they cannot provide security to officials. The cops should be told about raids if they are to be held responsible for safety of staff conducting raids," said the minister.
Sharing developments in the Manmad case, Patil said 11 persons were involved, and nine had been arrested while six more were taken into police custody for investigations. One accused, Popat Shinde, who was also burnt, is undergoing treatment while one accused is absconding.
Talking about the charges to be used against the culprits, Patil said, "We will not hesitate in applying MCOCA charges against them. But before applying MCOCA, cops have to check past records. The miscreants should have at least three major offences against them before they can be charged under MCOCA."
After addressing media persons, Patil also held a meeting with city police chief Ankush Dhanvijay and other senior police officers. "We have been ordered to check old records and offences regarding fuel adulteration. Offenders who are on bail will be called up and sent to jail again. This action will not be for a few days only, but will continue for years," said Dhanvijay.
Sources later said that the minister's declaration has put the city cops on alert and they have started studying earlier records to try and trace the fuel mafia in the city. In the past twenty fours, Maharashtra police have reportedly raided many centres across the state and arrested over 20 persons involved in the racket.
Patil said at a press conference on Thursday that a detailed inquiry has been ordered in the Manmad case and there would be strict action against the culprits. He was speaking to the media during a visit to Nagpur police commissioner's office on Republic day.
The home minister admitted that officers from food and civil supplies department and police personnel have come in harm's way while conducting raids on kerosene, fuel and other illicit products. "Hence, hereafter, before conducting a raid, the officials will first have to coordinate with police officials and other authorities. Also, the officer should be accompanied by four to five persons," said Patil.
"The Manmad incident is heart-rending. It shows the cruelty of the miscreants. I hope such incidents do not happen again, just for the sake of money. But to stop such cases, eradication of fuel and kerosene adulteration is a must," Patil added.
He said that miscreants and gangs involved in these acts will be arrested as soon as possible, even as he defended the cops for their inaction until now. "Due to lack of manpower, unless they are informed about specific raids, they cannot provide security to officials. The cops should be told about raids if they are to be held responsible for safety of staff conducting raids," said the minister.
Sharing developments in the Manmad case, Patil said 11 persons were involved, and nine had been arrested while six more were taken into police custody for investigations. One accused, Popat Shinde, who was also burnt, is undergoing treatment while one accused is absconding.
Talking about the charges to be used against the culprits, Patil said, "We will not hesitate in applying MCOCA charges against them. But before applying MCOCA, cops have to check past records. The miscreants should have at least three major offences against them before they can be charged under MCOCA."
After addressing media persons, Patil also held a meeting with city police chief Ankush Dhanvijay and other senior police officers. "We have been ordered to check old records and offences regarding fuel adulteration. Offenders who are on bail will be called up and sent to jail again. This action will not be for a few days only, but will continue for years," said Dhanvijay.
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