Expressing serious concern over recent incidents of crimes in the broad daylight including competitive examination paper leak in the state, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday directed the Police Department to launch a special campaign to curb organised crime and the gangsters’ activities.

Addressing a meeting of inspectors general of police (IGs) and district superintendents of police (SPs) through video conference at his residence here, Gehlot ordered that the special campaign against organised crime should be carried out in the state aggressively.

Strict action should be taken against those who follow and support gangsters and criminals on social media, and provide shelter and financial assistance to them, said Gehlot, who holds the Home Department portfolio.

He further called for vigilance against active gangs operating through criminal elements in the jail and any incident that disturbs communal harmony will not be tolerated at any cost.

The CM said that recently cases of illegal extortion by threats have come to the fore in the state and instructions were also given to take quick and concrete action against the accused in such incidents.

He said action should be taken through the Central government against the criminals who commit crimes while living abroad and eradicating such criminal gangs should be our primary objective of the Police Department.

Besides, Gehlot said that drug abuse among the youth is a matter of concern and for its effective prevention an awareness campaign should be run communicating with the parents. The liquor shops should strictly close their business at 8 pm, and the excise department should monitor this rule, he directed.

The SPs should regularly inspect and monitor the Police Stations’ working and the status of FIR disposal mechanism to strengthen and ensure the fearless society, he said.

Among others who attended the meeting included MoS Home Rajendra Singh Yadav, Chief Secretary Usha Sharma, Home Secretary Anand Kumar, ADG-Crime R P Mehrada, ADG ATS-SOG Ashok Rathore, ADG Intelligence S Sengathir, and Jaipur, Jodhpur’s Police Commissioners.