The Vidarbha Raj Andolan Samiti (VRAS) organized a day-long protest at Samvidhan Chowk on Friday, accusing the Maharashtra government of failing to curb the rising crime rate in Nagpur. The activists also renewed their demand for a separate Vidarbha state.
Protestors brave heat to voice concerns
A dozen protestors endured the summer heat to raise slogans against Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding accountability for what they described as a deteriorating law and order situation in the city.
NCRB report cited
Speaking to TOI, VRAS leader Mukesh Masurkar said, "Nagpur ranked second in crime according to the new National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report. The people in office are behind it." He also highlighted an increase in narcotics consumption in the city. "Drugs come here from Mumbai and Pune, do they not know? The ministers and the government are responsible and are not able to stop these crimes," Masurkar added.
Sidelining of Vidarbha region
Masurkar alleged that the Vidarbha region is consistently sidelined by a government fixated on the Mumbai-Pune-Nashik corridor. "Police vacancies here are not even filled. If Vidarbha becomes a separate state, the police and administration will be far more attentive and efficient," he said while demanding statehood.
The protestors further stated that although Fadnavis serves as the home minister, the city has witnessed a surge in crime.
