Decline in Crime in the State; Maharashtra Leading in Justice System – Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis

Transparent and impartial inquiry will be conducted into the aircraft accident of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar

Reply to the Final Week Motion in the Legislative Assembly

Mumbai, March 2026 : The state government is achieving concrete progress by working on a large scale in areas such as eradication of superstition, strengthening law and order, control of crime, curbing cybercrime, and reforms in the justice system. Crime has declined in the state and Maharashtra is leading in the justice system, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in the Legislative Assembly.

He clarified that efforts are underway to further strengthen the security system in the state by focusing on the use of modern technology, strengthening the police force, and ensuring speedy justice processes. He also stated that a transparent and impartial inquiry will be conducted into the aircraft accident of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar to bring out the truth.

Replying in detail to the Final Week Motion moved by the Opposition in the Assembly, Chief Minister Fadnavis presented a comprehensive review of the law and order situation in the state and provided detailed information on various issues related to different departments.

Referring to the case of fake godman Ashok Kharat, the Chief Minister said that the matter will be investigated to its root and strict punishment will be given to the guilty. He appealed to citizens to inform the government about such incidents. He noted that it is necessary to understand the subtle difference between faith and superstition and urged society to remain vigilant against superstition. He also stated that the rules under the anti-superstition law are in the final stage and are being effectively implemented.

Maharashtra ranks second in implementation of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

The Chief Minister said that Maharashtra has reached second place in the country in the effective implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The use of the e-evidence system has increased from 28% to 84%, while the rate of filing charge sheets within 60 days has increased from 2–3% to 46%. In crimes against women, the rate of filing charge sheets within 60 days has reached nearly 89%. The conviction rate has increased to 78%, accelerating the justice process.

Decline in crime; increase in investigation and conviction

He informed that major crimes such as murder, theft, robbery, and molestation have declined in 2025 compared to 2024. The detection of kidnapping and narcotics cases has increased.

Regarding women’s safety, he said that most cases of missing girls are related to love affairs, family disputes, or other social reasons, while the actual percentage of kidnapping is very low (1.86%).

He stated that large-scale action has been taken against narcotics, with more than 56,000 kg seized in 2025, and strict action including direct dismissal has been taken against police personnel involved in drug cases.

Modern systems against cybercrime

The government has established modern technology-based systems to curb increasing cybercrime, significantly enhancing investigation capacity. Although financial recovery in cybercrime cases remains low, the use of advanced tools has made investigations more effective.

Under the state’s cyber security project, 51 advanced tools have been procured from 20 countries. Command and Control Centres, cyber police stations, and CERT mechanisms have been made operational. He warned that incidents like ‘digital arrest’ are fraudulent and informed that helpline 1045 is available for immediate complaints. The project has also received international recognition.

Large-scale action against narcotics has been taken, with 44,000 kg seized in 2024 and 56,000 kg in 2025. In 2025, 15,933 accused were arrested and property worth around ₹5,500 crore was seized. Focus is being placed on exposing the entire network rather than just arresting individuals.

Strengthening the police force

He said significant steps have been taken to strengthen the police force. Out of 2.30 lakh posts, 2.06 lakh are filled, and recruitment for 16,607 posts is underway. More than 50,000 police personnel have been recruited so far. Additionally, 12,952 police houses are under construction, and a high-level committee will be formed to provide ownership housing to police personnel.

The response time of Dial 112 emergency service has been reduced from 15 minutes to 6 minutes. Work is underway to integrate CCTV cameras across the state under the ‘Mahanetra’ network. In Mumbai, CCTV footage has aided investigation in 1.82 lakh cases, with decisive evidence in 7,248 cases. Plans are also in place to integrate private cameras into the network.

Detailed probe into Baramati plane crash underway

Providing information on the investigation into the Baramati aircraft crash, the Chief Minister said the case is highly sensitive. On January 28, 2026, a Learjet aircraft crashed near Baramati airport, killing then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and five others. The inquiry is being conducted as per central guidelines and has also been handed over to the State CID.

Preliminary investigation found no alcohol in breath analyser tests of the pilot and co-pilot. Post-mortem reports indicate death due to multiple injuries and burns. DNA tests, toxicology reports, and explosive examinations have not revealed any suspicious findings.

He added that all procedures were followed before take-off and the pilot was appointed earlier. However, issues such as low visibility, limited facilities, and runway conditions at Baramati airport are also being examined.

Efforts are being made at all levels to ensure a fair investigation. The CID probe is ongoing, and final conclusions will be drawn only after the AAIB report. Further legal action will be taken if required. He reiterated that strict action will be taken if any sabotage or negligence is found.

He also clarified that in accident cases, an ADR is initially registered, which is converted into an FIR if criminal elements are found. This is a legal procedure and further action will follow accordingly.

The state government is coordinating with the central government and will provide all necessary support. The exact cause of the accident will be known only after the final report.

Decision to support sugar industry

The Chief Minister said important decisions have been taken for the development of various sectors, with focus on agriculture, industry, environment, and housing.

A meeting will be held next week with the central government regarding FRP payments and the upcoming sugar season, and a high-level state committee will be formed. Immediate decisions will be taken considering emergency situations. Steps are also being taken to provide relief to onion farmers. Maharashtra produces about 50% of the country’s onions. A committee has been formed to provide immediate assistance, and efforts are underway to seek central support. Export of 1 lakh metric tonnes of onions to Mauritius is under consideration, and crop diversification will be promoted as a long-term measure.

Increase in assistance for uninsured farmers under consideration

He said mango and cashew growers in Konkan have been affected by climate change. Compensation will be provided under insurance schemes, and assistance will also be given to uninsured farmers. The minimum aid is proposed to be increased from ₹15,000 to ₹22,000, and relief will be announced immediately after assessment.

Under the ‘Namo Shetkari Mahasanman’ scheme, ₹1,800 crore has been deposited in the accounts of 90 lakh farmers. So far, ₹54,000 crore assistance has been provided jointly by the Centre and the state. A decision on bonus for paddy will be taken soon.

Boost to industry and MSMEs

He said Maharashtra ranks first in the country in registered MSMEs. The ‘Maharashtra Industry, Investment and Services Policy 2025’ has been announced, and a separate MSME Directorate will be established.

Opportunities are growing in animation, visual effects, and gaming sectors. Maharashtra has become the first state to implement the AVGC-XR policy, with expected investment of ₹8,000 crore. The ‘Indian Institute of Creative Technology’ will be established in Mumbai.

Focus on environment and housing

Modern technology is being used for environmental protection, including IoT and AI systems at construction sites in Mumbai. A fund of ₹3,000 crore has been allocated for the Climate Action Plan, and a target of planting 300 crore trees in the next seven years has been set using GIS and satellite technology.

Encroachments up to 2011, except in Mumbai and MMR region, will be regularised. Houses up to 500 sq ft will be regularised free of cost, and larger areas at concessional rates. Under ‘Housing for All’, the right to a 300 sq ft house will be provided.

₹3,708 crore health project

A ₹3,708 crore health project will be implemented with Japan’s cooperation. New medical and nursing colleges will be opened, and modern equipment will be provided.

Additionally, in the Badlapur IVF case, seven accused have been arrested. Stipends for tribal students have been increased, works under ‘Jalyukt Shivar 2.0’ are ongoing, and digital systems are being introduced for transparency in disability certification.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the government is taking concrete decisions across sectors for overall development, focusing on providing relief to farmers, industries, and common citizens.

He said Maharashtra leads the country in MSMEs and will soon reach the milestone of 1 crore registered enterprises. Significant investment is also coming in the AVGC-XR sector.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that strong steps are being taken to address challenges in agriculture, industry, and environment, and the government is committed to bringing positive changes in the lives of farmers, workers, and common citizens.