NAGPUR: State chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who reviewed law and order issues following the Central Nagpur riot with senior police officials and the collector, stated on Saturday in a press briefing that losses incurred during the mob violence would be recovered from the rioters, even if it meant disposing of their properties.
Fadnavis mentioned that the riot appears to have a Malegaon connection, while the involvement of international instigators from foreign countries is being verified.
The state CM also assured that the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the city would remain unaffected.
“We will survey the damages and ensure that victims whose vehicles or properties were affected are compensated. The damages will also be recovered from the rioters,” said Fadnavis, adding that stringent action would be taken against the perpetrators.
Fadnavis, giving the police a clean chit in the riot, stated that social media users responsible for spreading hatred and triggering the violence on March 17 would be treated on par with the rioters identified and arrested.
He said that around 92 people have been arrested, while 104 have been identified.
Fadnavis acknowledged the possibility of some intelligence failure but noted that the riot spread so rapidly that substantial input may not have been generated in time.
Accompanied by Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Fadnavis claimed that 80% of the city remained unaffected by the riot, which only spread to a few pockets.
“Since 1992, there has been no such arson or rioting in the city. The city is peaceful even now,” said Fadnavis, adding that the police would continue the probe until the last rioter is behind bars.
During the high-level meeting attended by Collector Vipin Itankar, CP Ravinder Singal, IG Dilip Bhujbal Patil, and SP Harssh A Poddar, Fadnavis stated that the police have already obtained CCTV footage from their sources, private individuals, and the media.
“The identification and arrests are being made based on various live footages collected,” said Fadnavis.
Reacting to media queries, Fadnavis took a potshot at Congress leaders, who had arrived in the city for a meeting on the riot, stating that one of their members was involved in the Akola riot.