CM Naidu warns criminals harassing women, announces new law to stop land grabbing

Amaravati: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, on Tuesday, made it clear on the floor of the State Assembly that those found violating law and order will not be tolerated. Those harassing women would be severely punished, he said.

Informing the Assembly that the Shakti app was launched solely for the safety and security of women in the State, the chief minister said that the previous government has failed miserably in maintaining law and order. People could not move out freely, and government properties were not safe, he said, and he added that law and order is paramount for people to be happy and live without fear.

Alternative employment for those illegally cultivating ganja

Claiming that the ‘gross negligence’ of the previous ruling party has resulted in the rampant misuse of drugs and ganja in the State, the chief minister said that, as a responsible Opposition party when the TDP raised this issue, its party office was attacked. “Any political party treats its party office as a temple, and in my 45-year-long political life, I have never experienced any incident of attack on any party office,” Naidu remarked.

He said the latest technology is being used to check drug abuse inside the State and also to ensure drugs don’t enter State borders. The CM said that alternative employment would be provided to those who are cultivating ganja. He also felt the need for parents to closely observe the movement of their children.

The chief minister also felt the need for expanding religious harmony along with curbing extremism. “I have not only sent a message but also implemented it that words like ‘rowdy’ and ‘gang leader’ should not be heard any longer,” he said.

New law to stop land grabbing

The chief minister announced that a new legislation is being introduced under the Prohibition of Land Grabbing and said that the land grabbing was very heavy by the previous rulers misusing Section 22A of the Registration Act.

If anyone resorts to land grabbing, stringent action will be taken against such persons, he said, and he stated that drone patrolling will be taken up during nights besides installing CC cameras. Also, 26 cyber security stations are being set up, and all this will help closely monitor those who resort to any kind of crime and take them into custody immediately, the chief minister said.

Saying that the shocking incident of the murder of the former MLA, YS Vivekananda Reddy, in 2019 shakes him to this day, he said that there is every need for taking the case seriously as six of the accused in the case have died. “This is a classic example as to how the criminals trap people,” the chief minister said, recalling the entire episode from day one when Vivekananda was done to death till now.

The chief minister said that it is the duty of the police to bring awareness among the people on the steps being initiated by the State Government for the safety and security of women. “Action will be taken against the police personnel too if they are not always vigilant on the security of women,” Chandrababu Naidu noted.