Nagpur: The security of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has been strengthened in the light of threats from Maoists during the monsoon assembly session here. Sources said access to the CM’s residence and office has been tightened, considering the growing influence of Maoists in urban areas.
Apart from officers in uniform, special undercover sleuths will be present around the CM to monitor Maoist sympathizers and operatives working in the city.
An official said that elements who are or have been affiliated to Maoists or their frontal organizations would not be allowed to infiltrate delegations, rallies, protests, agitations and processions. “A change in their tactics of attack in an urban setting cannot be ruled out,” said a senior official.
Metal and explosive detectors will be used and anti-sabotage checks will also be performed to secure places where the CM will be present. “Even the security of ministers will be beefed up and access to them will be tightened,” said officials.
The recent interrogation of alleged Maoist ideologues in the Koregaon-Bhima case revealed the threat to CM Fadnavis as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As per intelligence inputs, and pamphlets and posters found following the encounter with 40 Maoists in Gadchiroli in April, the reds are keen to avenge the attack that wiped out their three or four formations.
During Fadnavis’s tenure as CM and home minister, the Maoist movement in south Gadchiroli has suffered serious blows, including elimination of four senior cadres of divisional committee member. Formations like dalams of Perimili, Aheri, Sironcha and Platoon 14, which called the shots in south Gadchiroli earlier, have been reduced to insignificance.
