In a shocking revelation, a top ranking police official has underlined the infiltration of Naxal organisations targeting lower socio-economic groups in the slums of major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. Inspector General of Police State Anti-naxal operation (ANO), Sandip Patil, expressed his concerns on Tueday stating, “The Naxalites are focusing on mobilisation and military tasks in these urban areas.” According to Patil, information obtained from Naxalite documents in possession of the police department indicates a strong ‘urban network’ established by the Naxalites in cities like Mumbai, Nagpur, Nasik, Pune, and Gondia. He revealed, “The Naxalites are particularly targeting youngsters from lower socio-economic backgrounds living in slums. Their aims include mobilising for Maoist ideology, handling logistics tasks, procuring arms and ammunition, seeking medical aid, and establishing safe havens in both forested and urban regions,” he said.

 

Underlining specific areas of concern, Patil said, “The Naxalites have directed their attention towards the lower socio-economic groups residing in the slums of Mumbai, Pune, Nasik, Nagpur, and Gondia. Their active network in these areas aims to attract vulnerable youngsters with negative mentalities resulting from poverty and domestic issues, intending to exploit these circumstances against the Government.” While the Naxalite organisations portray themselves as champions of the people, Patil asserted that they are, in fact, promoting Maoist ideology. He assured the public that these organisations are under the police radar, and necessary actions will be taken against them. “These Naxalite activities will not be tolerated, and the police force is committed to ensuring the safety and security of the people,” Patil concluded.