Maharashtra Police Heighten Surveillance on Opposition Leaders
Following directives from the DGP, police in Maharashtra intensify monitoring of CJP activists and opposition figures amid ongoing protests.
Police have increased surveillance on CJP activists and opposition leaders across Maharashtra.
Seventeen protesters were detained in Nagpur during recent demonstrations.
Prohibitory orders are in effect in rural Nagpur until October 25 to maintain public order.
In a significant move, law enforcement agencies across Maharashtra have escalated their surveillance efforts on activists from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and various opposition leaders. This directive comes from the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) amid ongoing protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The police are actively gathering intelligence on planned demonstrations and tracking the movements of these activists in major cities like Mumbai and Delhi, as well as other regions within the state.
The Nagpur city police, along with the Nagpur Rural police and Government Railway Police (GRP), have mobilized their intelligence networks to monitor the activities of CJP members and opposition leaders who participated in previous protests, including those related to the NEET paper leak. Reports detailing their activities and upcoming protests are being relayed to the state police headquarters, with a senior police official emphasizing that intelligence gathering is a top priority.
In Nagpur, police are closely observing activists and leaders, particularly at Samvidhan Square, to prevent any potential disturbances. Despite the heightened vigilance, only a small number of protesters have gathered at the square before dispersing. On Saturday, police detained 17 individuals protesting at Variety Square, and they are also monitoring other significant locations to preempt any law and order issues. Surveillance efforts have been intensified in rural areas as well, with Nagpur Rural Superintendent of Police Dr. Harsh A Poddar noting that notices were issued to 17 CJP activists last week to determine their intentions regarding participation in protests in Delhi.
The rural police are focusing on key towns such as Umred, Kalmeshwar, Katol, and Ramtek, gathering information about local protests and the potential movement of activists to other regions. This information is being shared with senior police officials, and the GRP has increased vigilance at railway stations and on trains, monitoring individuals traveling to Delhi for the protests. Coordination among city, rural, and railway police units is crucial in this intelligence-gathering operation, with reports being sent to the DGP's office.
In a related development, Additional District Magistrate Anup Khande has imposed prohibitory orders in rural Nagpur until October 25, under Sections 37(1) and 37(3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951. These orders restrict the assembly of five or more individuals and the organization of processions during this period, aimed at ensuring public peace and safety.
