Chief Minister Hemant Soren Holds High-Level Meeting: Plans for Strict Action on Law and Order, Crime Control, Illegal Mining, and Cybercrime
Ranchi: Chief Minister Hemant Soren held a high-level meeting at the Jharkhand Secretariat to discuss the maintenance of law and order, crime control, measures to curb illegal mining, the crackdown on narcotics, and tackling cybercrime. During the meeting, police department officials presented a detailed PowerPoint presentation (PPT) to the Chief Minister, outlining the actions being taken to maintain law and order, prevent illegal mining, and control various types of crime in the state. Chief Minister Hemant Soren emphasized that maintaining better law and order is one of the top priorities of the state government. He stated that to prevent organized crime, the police should prepare a strong plan and ensure strict action against identified criminals. He added that organized crime will only stop when strong policing instills fear in the minds of criminals. The police must create fear among offenders. Police officials informed the Chief Minister that over the past three years, there has been a decline in various criminal cases. Special focus is being given to districts affected by dowry murders like Palamu, Garhwa, Hazaribagh, Giridih, Dhanbad, and general murders in Bokaro, with significant action being taken in these areas. Action is also underway in Ranchi, Gumla, and Chaibasa districts to control general murders.
Launch Extensive Campaign to Prevent Illegal Narcotics Trade
Chief Minister Hemant Soren directed officials to conduct a wide-reaching special campaign to prevent the illegal trade of narcotics in the state and inform the public about the law. He instructed that students in both urban and rural schools be educated about the harmful effects of drug consumption. Awareness will help reduce the use of narcotics. The Chief Minister emphasized that a detailed plan should be implemented to intensify action against the misuse of narcotics. He mentioned that over the past years, the police had destroyed opium crops spread across thousands of acres. However, despite efforts, the opium trade in forest areas has not been completely stopped. He instructed officials to work closely with the Forest Department to eradicate opium cultivation in forest areas and ensure that no narcotic crops are grown there again.
Define Responsibilities of Police Personnel in Opium Cultivation Areas
Chief Minister Hemant Soren instructed that district police and administration should widely disseminate information about the punishment for engaging in narcotic cultivation. Cultivation and trade of any narcotic substance, including opium, is a legal offense. He urged that the police should inform people about the stringent actions and legal punishments involved. The Chief Minister directed police officials to assign responsibility to the concerned police station heads, watchmen, and forest workers in opium cultivation areas. Strict action should be taken against any personnel who fail to perform their duties honestly. The meeting also discussed in detail conducting research on the money trail, collaborating with active NGOs, and launching a pre-cultivation drive in the most affected districts.
Cybercrime Challenge: Build a Strong Setup
Chief Minister Hemant Soren acknowledged that tackling cybercrime has become a significant challenge. Police officials discussed the need to establish the Jharkhand Cybercrime Coordination Center. The Chief Minister directed the officials to create a strong setup to combat cybercrime. He instructed them to form a technical cell and appoint technical officers as soon as possible. The Chief Minister stated that modern technology can be used to reduce cybercrime. Police officials shared that through the “Pratibimb App,” FIRs have been filed against 330 cybercriminals, 1281 cybercriminals have been arrested, and 3493 SIM cards and 2524 mobile phones have been seized.
Strict Action Against Illegal Mining
Chief Minister Hemant Soren directed the police to ensure that illegal mining activities are completely stopped in the state. Any form of illegal mining is unacceptable as it tarnishes the state’s image. He instructed the police to also prevent the illegal extraction of sand from rivers. The Chief Minister noted that the existence of rivers in the state is under threat, with sand being replaced by soil in some areas. He directed officials to create a special action plan to stop illegal mining.
Strengthen Fire Services
Chief Minister Hemant Soren instructed officials to strengthen the fire services in the state and integrate them with citizen services. He also directed that the police procure vehicles, weapons, and other necessary equipment as soon as possible. The Chief Minister further directed that the food, medical facilities, and other services provided to prisoners be reviewed, and an increase in the budget should be considered if necessary. Additionally, prisoners should be provided with the services of government advocates to present their case in court.
The meeting was attended by the state’s Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, the Chief Minister’s Additional Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Home Department Vandana Dadel, Managing Director of Police Housing Ajay Kumar Singh, DG Headquarters R.K. Mallik, DG Home Guard Anil Palta, ADG Operations Sanjay Anand Latkar, IG Operations A.V Homkar, IG CID Aseem Vikrant Minj, IG Provision Pankaj Kamboj, IG Prisons Sudarshan Mandal, IG Special Branch Prabhat Kumar, SP ATS Rishabh, and other senior officials.
