Panchkula (Haryana) [India], July 5 (HBTV): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has reaffirmed his government’s strict approach to maintaining law and order, stating that the police have been given full authority to act against anyone disrupting peace in the state.

Speaking to reporters, CM Saini said: ‘We have given our police administration a free hand; it is our responsibility to maintain law and order in the state. If any person harms the law and order, then we have told the police that you can take strict action.’

His remarks come amid political tensions following Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Abhay Singh Chautala’s criticism of the government’s handling of law and order. Responding to the allegations, Saini said: ‘He should remember his tenure, what kind of tenure it was. People have suffered...’

Earlier in the day, CM Saini chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the prevailing law and order situation and took stock of the ongoing excise auctions across the state.

Issuing strong directives to the Home Department, the Chief Minister called for a ‘High Octane drive’ against criminal elements and instructed officials to ensure a responsive and vigilant police presence throughout Haryana. Maintaining robust law and order, he said, was the government’s highest priority.

Referring to the recent murder of an excise licensee in Kurukshetra, the Chief Minister expressed concern and directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to take swift action against those responsible.

CM Saini also urged the DGP to ensure security for all citizens who reported threats or extortion attempts. He directed that a dedicated phone number be set up for reporting such incidents, linked to the emergency helpline 112.

While reviewing the performance of the Excise & Taxation Department, the Chief Minister instructed officers to complete the excise auction process and ensure timely realisation of revenue. So far, 934 excise zones have been auctioned, generating INR 11,054 crore — a significant increase from last year’s INR 5,037 crore, according to the official release.

Additionally, he directed that the State Task Force (STF) be strengthened with additional personnel and resources to resolve pending cases within a strict time frame, ensuring that no gangster or offender remains at large.

(ANI)