Kolhapur: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Monday that the individual who stabbed two security guards in Mira Bhayandar, near Mumbai, was 'self-radicalised by reading books, literature and internet and was driven by the idea to commit Jihad, meaning killing persons from other religions.'
Investigation and Arrest
The Nayanagar police station in Mira Road has registered a case under sections related to attempt to murder against the accused. Fadnavis informed reporters at Barshi in Solapur on Tuesday, 'The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are investigating who is behind this radicalisation and who else have been radicalised. The parents of the accused live in the US and he arrived in India, first living in Kurla before shifting to Nayanagar.'
The two guards were working at an under-construction site in Nayanagar, Mira Road East. Rajkumar Mishra sustained grievous injuries and is undergoing treatment at a local hospital, while Subroto Sen, who suffered minor injuries, lodged a complaint with the police. After receiving information about the incident, the police scanned CCTV footage from the locality and identified and arrested the accused, Zaib Zubair Ansari, within an hour on Monday. Along with attempt to murder and assault charges, the accused was booked under BNS Section 196(1), which deals with promoting enmity, disharmony, or hatred between different groups on grounds of religion, race, language, or caste.
Book Controversy and Political Reactions
Regarding the issue of the title of Govid Pansare's book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, over which Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad threatened and abused the book publisher, Fadnavis said that no one can disrespect Shivaji Maharaj. 'The book was written in the 1980s. Digging a controversy out of it is anti-social and insensitive. It is not proper to take up a non-issue to remain in news. The one who has raked up the issue might not have read the book; those who are protesting don't know why they are doing it,' said the CM.
Support for Farmers and Sugar Industry
On sugarcane and onion farmers, CM Fadnavis announced that a panel of secretaries from various departments has been constituted to examine possible relief for the sugar industry ahead of the upcoming crushing season. 'The panel will suggest the relief to be provided to the sugar industry. The sugar industry in Maharashtra has always paid FRP to more than 99% of the farmers. The state government has time and again provided monetary relief. This time, I am going to lead a delegation of sugarcane and onion growers to the centre to seek relief,' said Fadnavis.
Development Promises for Solapur
At a party event in Solapur to felicitate newly elected members of municipal corporation, municipal councils and Zilla Parishad, Fadnavis remarked that no party ever achieved such success and he will repay the debt to the people of Solapur by fulfilling development needs. He promised to set up an advanced park for ready-made garments, introduce a daytime flight to Mumbai from Solapur Airport, and ensure regular drinking water supply to the taps of Solapur residents within the next five years.
Temple Corridor Development in Pandharpur
Fadnavis also addressed concerns regarding the development of a corridor at Pandharpur. He said the temple town has potential to attract devotees year-round but lacks facilities. 'Attempts are made to create fear and instigate the shop operators who will be affected by the corridor. We are planning to start temple corridor development work this year only. The shop operators need not worry. They will be rehabilitated and I will assure them that they will get business ten times more than they get now once the corridor is developed,' said Fadnavis.
