Maharashtra Police to keep tight vigil on terror groups: DGP

Under its new Director General of Police (DGP), Maharashtra Police is working on a two-pronged strategy of improving intelligence gathering about terror groups and connecting better with citizens.

The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) is also being equipped with modern gadgets and a strategy is being firmed up to effectively counter propaganda from outfits like Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), said Satish Mathur, who took over as DGP a week ago.

"As a first step, police personnel will visit each and every household in their jurisdiction to connect with people to get real-time intelligence inputs from society about anti- social and terror activities," he told reporters last night.

"At another level, ATS will be equipped with modern gadgets to counter any emergency situation," he said.

On his maiden visit as DGP to Nagpur, Mathur said a strategy is being readied to counter propaganda of ISIS and will be implemented soon.

In an effort to improve policing and re-establish their connect with people, the DGP said, "Every personnel will inquire from citizens about their grievances and leave his/ her phone number with them. This baby step will have a huge positive impact on society.

"This will not only improve the image of police but also strengthen intelligence gathering network."

On tackling Naxal threat, the 1981-batch Indian Police Service officer said police have gained upper hand in their fight against Maoists, who are active in a few districts of Vidarbha. Covert and overt operations will be launched to further weaken them.

"Two types of operations would be launched against Naxals — secret and open. Armed Out-Posts are being increased in Gadchiroli district to enlarge police presence there. Also, financial aid is being provided to the families of policemen martyred during Naxal operations," said Mathur.

New safety equipment are being procured to protect policemen operating in the Naxal-hit areas, said the DGP, who will have a 22-month tenure.

Mathur said his other priorities include increasing transparency in policing, improving service delivery and providing better working condition to police staff.

"Transparency would be increased in the department. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will soon address the top police brass," said Mathur.