Rising incidents of crimes against women across Maharashtra have made it clear that the state is no longer safe for women and girls, claimed state Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal.
His remarks came after a shocking incident, in which Union Minister Raksha Khadse’s daughter was allegedly harassed by a group of youths, and even her security personnel were manhandled.
Since the accused were not arrested, Khadse had to stage a protest at the police station.
Alleging that the increasing crimes against women have brought shame to the state, Sapkal demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who is also in-charge of the home department.
The Congress state president further alleged that due to political protection given to criminals, crimes against women and girls have increased significantly in the state.
"If even daughters of the Union ministers are not safe, one can imagine the plight of ordinary citizens. Home Minister and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have lost control over the home department and criminals. The fact that a minister’s daughter was harassed despite security personnel being present clearly indicates the collapse of law and order. That Raksha Khadse had to protest at a police station to demand action against the culprits shows that the state is now ruled by criminals rather than the police," he said.
Sapkal claimed that the Mahayuti government went out of its way to extend the tenure of retired Director General of Police (DGP) Rashmi Shukla. "However, both Shukla and Home Minister Fadnavis have failed to maintain control over the police administration, emboldening criminals."
The Congress leader stressed that Maharashtra urgently needs a "competent" DGP and a "full-time" home minister.
"Without this, crimes and atrocities against women cannot be curbed. Hence, Rashmi Shukla should be removed from her post, and Fadnavis should resign to make way for a capable, full-time home minister," the Congress leader asserted.
