Chhattisgarh Leads in Criminal Justice Integration, Expands Police Welfare and Crackdown on Crime: Dy CM Vijay Sharma

Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma on Saturday outlined a series of reforms and enforcement measures undertaken by the Home and Jail Department, saying the state is moving ahead with a “new vision” since the formation of the government. He was addressing journalists at the Samvad Auditorium in Nava Raipur.

Sharma said Chhattisgarh is emerging as a frontrunner in implementing the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System under the new criminal laws by integrating all five pillars of the justice system: police, prosecution, forensic science, prisons and courts. Durg and Bilaspur have been developed as pilot districts where all five components have been fully integrated, creating what he described as model districts. He noted that the introduction of e-evidence has significantly reduced delays in investigations and boosted police morale by ensuring quicker access to digital records.

The minister also highlighted steps taken toward police welfare. For the first time, insurance coverage has been provided to police personnel through Memorandums of Understanding signed with eight banks. Under this arrangement, insurance benefits are linked to salary accounts without any premium payment by employees. The scheme covers all officers and staff of Chhattisgarh Police. So far, more than Rs 16 crore has been disbursed to the families of 15 martyred police personnel.

On modernization, Sharma said systems such as CCTNS, e-summons, online FIR registration, e-sign, e-courts and e-shruti have streamlined police functioning and made access to justice easier for citizens. He added that an online complaint management portal has been developed at the Police Headquarters to ensure faster disposal of grievances. Earlier, complaints and inquiry reports were sent by post between districts and headquarters, causing delays. The digital system now allows real-time monitoring and review, improving accountability and public trust.

The Home Minister said the state has adopted a strict approach toward illegal immigrants. A toll-free number has been issued to report suspected cases, and a Special Task Force has been constituted to identify and take action against offenders under the Foreigners Act. So far, 34 individuals have been deported. Holding centres have been set up for verification and legal processing. He also said the Anti-Terrorist Squad, which had remained inactive for years, registered its first case in 2025. On religious conversion cases, Sharma claimed that in the past two years, the number of cases registered has doubled compared to the previous 23 years.

Speaking on cow protection, he said police have intensified action against illegal slaughter, transport and trade of cattle. As part of enforcement, 142 vehicles have been confiscated and 27 auctioned. A list of habitual offenders has been prepared for the first time, and 19 individuals are being monitored under the Gangster Act.

The state has also stepped up action against narcotics under the NDPS Act. Authorities have issued preventive detention orders against habitual offenders and initiated financial investigations to dismantle drug networks by attaching and auctioning properties. Seizures and destruction of cannabis, synthetic drugs including MDMA, heroin, brown sugar and other contraband have been carried out, along with auctioning of vehicles used in the trade.

In tackling cybercrime, Sharma said bank accounts involved in online fraud have been frozen and cases registered against those issuing fake SIM cards. A total of 165 operators have been arrested, along with bank employees linked to mule accounts. The government has also blocked 255 unauthorized online gambling links and portals. Dedicated cyber police stations have been launched in Raigarh, Korba, Rajnandgaon, Kabirdham, Mahasamund, Balodabazar, Janjgir-Champa, Jashpur and Dhamtari.

On Left-wing extremism, Sharma reiterated the government’s commitment to ending armed Maoist activity in Bastar by March 31, 2026, in line with the timeline set by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. He said more Maoists have chosen rehabilitation than those neutralized in operations. The government has been promoting surrender and rehabilitation through outreach campaigns, including radio messaging and engagement with community leaders.

Rehabilitated cadres are being provided livelihood training, benefits under government schemes and exposure visits. Youth who were unmarried have been supported through community marriage initiatives. Two gram panchayats have declared themselves Maoist-free under the Ilvad Panchayat scheme. In the past two years, several senior Maoist leaders, including Politburo and Central Committee members, have either surrendered or been neutralized.

Sharma also spoke about prison reforms. Four central jails in Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur and Ambikapur have received ISO certification. A School of Arts has been established in Ambikapur Central Jail to train young inmates in drawing, painting and yoga. In Raipur Central Jail, a radio station named “Umang-Tarang” has been launched to promote positive engagement among inmates. Skill development initiatives inside prisons include spice production, oil extraction units, LED bulb manufacturing and operation of petrol pumps to aid rehabilitation.

Senior officials including ACS Home Manoj Pingua, DG Jail Himanshu Gupta, Secretary Himshikhar Gupta and senior police officers were present during the briefing.