Rajasthan CM flags ATS actions by other states, urges police to strengthen own system

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Thursday took exception to instances of Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) operations by other states being carried out in Rajasthan without the knowledge of local police. He exhorted the state police to further strengthen their own system by effectively utilising available resources and the latest technologies.

“We want Rajasthan’s policing model to emerge as the best in the country, and our role in evolving an ideal law enforcement system befitting a Viksit Bharat should be appreciated nationwide,” Chief Minister Sharma said while delivering the inaugural address at the two-day state-level police conference here.

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Striking a serious note, the Chief Minister said that ATS teams from Mumbai and Gujarat had conducted operations in Rajasthan without the district police being aware of them.

“Our district police had no information about these actions. This is a matter of concern and calls for serious deliberation,” he said, adding, “Shouldn’t our police force in the respective districts have proper feedback? Had there been proper coordination, it would have conveyed a good message.”

Recalling his commitment on law and order made at the time of the formation of his government in December 2023, Sharma said, “I had set a target for the police to set right the law and order situation in the state and assured full support in terms of resources and funds to meet all operational requirements.”

“I have kept my promise, and even today I assure you of full support. As a system, you have also done a good job in improving the situation by curbing crime,” he said.

The Chief Minister noted that crimes such as murder, looting, robbery and crimes against women had declined by 10 to 15 per cent, while atrocities against Scheduled Castes had fallen by more than 25 per cent over the past two years.

However, Sharma stressed that much more needed to be done. He urged the police to take immediate and effective action against cybercrime and cybercriminals, as well as to eradicate drug and contraband smuggling.

He also called for strict action against gangsters entering Rajasthan from other states. “No gangster from another state should dare to intrude into Rajasthan. If anyone does, they should not be allowed to return unpunished,” he said.

Emphasising that a strong and sophisticated law and order system is essential for realising the dream of Viksit Bharat, the Chief Minister asserted that there should be no laxity on this front.

Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat and the reforms in law administration and the justice delivery system, Sharma urged the police force to generate mass awareness about the three newly enacted criminal laws. He also called for a special awareness campaign to educate youth on these reforms on Yuva Diwas.

Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedam and Director General of Police Rajiv Sharma also addressed the conference. Officers of the rank of Additional Director General of Police, Inspector General, Deputy Inspector General and Superintendent of Police are participating in the conference, which will conclude on Friday.