Nagpur: In a startling revelation, Inspector General of Police, State Anti-Naxal Operation (ANO), Sandeep Patil, has raised concerns about the growing infiltration of Naxal organizations targeting lower socio-economic groups in the slums of major cities, including Nagpur, Mumbai, and Pune. Patil disclosed his apprehensions on Tuesday, highlighting that Naxalites are intensifying their focus on mobilization and military tasks within urban areas.
According to Patil, information extracted from Naxalite documents in possession of the Police Department reveals the establishment of a robust ‘urban network’ by the Naxalites in cities such as Nagpur, Mumbai, Nasik, Pune, and Gondia. He disclosed, “The Naxalites are particularly targeting youngsters from lower socio-economic backgrounds living in slums. Their objectives include propagating Naxal ideology, handling logistical tasks, procuring arms and ammunition, seeking medical aid, and establishing safe havens in both forested and urban regions.”
Naxalites could be planning to carry out violent activities in the five Maharashtra cities before the Lok Sabha elections to create discontent against the Government, the IGP Sandeep Patil informed.
Identifying specific areas of concern, Patil emphasized, “The Naxalites have directed their attention towards the lower socio-economic groups residing in the slums of Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, and Gondia. Their active network in these areas aims to attract vulnerable youngsters with negative mentalities resulting from poverty and domestic issues, intending to exploit these circumstances against the Government.”
Contrary to the Naxal organizations’ portrayal of themselves as champions of the people, Patil asserted that they are, in fact, promoting Naxal ideology. He assured the public that these organizations are under the constant surveillance of the police, and necessary actions will be taken against them. “These Naxalite activities will not be tolerated, and the police force is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the people,” stated Patil.
The revelation of Naxal infiltration in urban slums has raised alarms among law enforcement agencies, prompting heightened vigilance and a commitment to thwarting any attempts to destabilize the socio-economic fabric of these cities. The police force is expected to intensify efforts to dismantle the Naxal networks operating within these urban areas.