CM Fadnavis said that the authorities have already taken action against several foreign nationals involved in criminal activities and a total of 69 individuals linked to drug-related offences have been deported, while 122 others have been sent to detention centres
CM Fadnavis pointed out that many foreign nationals enter India legally using valid passports and visas, particularly short-term medical visas. File Pic
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that the state government has introduced a new mechanism to reconcile immigration records in order to track foreign nationals who overstay their visas or violate visa conditions, reported the PTI.
Speaking in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, he stated that the system is being implemented in Mumbai to improve monitoring and enforcement.
The Chief Minister revealed that authorities have already taken action against several foreign nationals involved in criminal activities.
He said that a total of 69 individuals linked to drug-related offences have been deported, while 122 others have been sent to detention centres.
He added that the Central Government has directed the immediate deportation of those committing minor offences in an attempt to extend their stay in India.
CM Fadnavis pointed out that many foreign nationals enter India legally using valid passports and visas, particularly short-term medical visas.
However, some later discard their documents to avoid detection and continue to stay in the country even after their visas expire.
He noted that the absence of a proper system earlier made it difficult to reconcile immigration data, a gap the government now aims to address.
Crackdown on illegal businesses
The Chief Minister also announced stricter action against cafes and shops involved in illegal activities, including the sale of banned substances and operating beyond permitted hours.
He warned that while licences are currently suspended for such violations, new amendments will allow for permanent cancellation in cases of repeated offences.
Rising concerns in cafes
CM Fadnavis said that illegal activities, which were earlier mostly associated with bars, are now increasingly being reported in cafes as well.
This shift has prompted authorities to widen their enforcement efforts across different types of establishments.
Major drug bust in Palghar
Highlighting recent enforcement action, CM Fadnavis referred to a crackdown in the Vasai-Virar region of Palghar district, where 30 raids were carried out.
Authorities seized narcotics worth Rs 11 crore during the operation, marking a significant success in the fight against drug trafficking.
Accountability within police force
The Chief Minister stressed that action would not be limited to offenders alone but would also extend to police personnel involved in or enabling such activities.
He said that senior officers who fail to act or provide protection to criminal networks will also face strict action.
According to CM Fadnavis, the government will investigate both forward and backward linkages in criminal networks to ensure comprehensive accountability.
(with PTI inputs)
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