Gandhinagar, March 11 (NationPress) The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has successfully apprehended 29 terrorists affiliated with global extremist groups in the last three years, as reported by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi during an address to the state Assembly on Wednesday.

In his remarks, Sanghavi detailed that these arrests occurred between 2023 and 2026, following investigations that revealed numerous alleged anti-national plots. These included a funding network for Al-Qaeda, a module from the Islamic State Khorasan Province operating out of Porbandar and Surat, as well as individuals linked to extremist activities from Sri Lanka.

He highlighted that one of the suspects had planned an attack on the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and was caught in Haryana with a live grenade.

“From 2023 to 2026, the Gujarat ATS unveiled several anti-national schemes and detained 29 extremists and terrorists, including those tied to Al-Qaeda and ISKP networks,” Sanghavi informed the Assembly.

In a different case, he mentioned that in January 2026, the ATS arrested an individual influenced by the Jaish-e-Mohammed ideology, thwarting what he referred to as a targeted assassination scheme.

While presenting the government's performance regarding law and order, Sanghavi asserted that the administration under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is adhering to a definitive policy against crime.

“The Home Department serves as a protective shield for Gujarat, while the judiciary embodies the sceptre of justice. Our government's principle is straightforward — zero tolerance for criminals and prompt justice for everyday citizens,” he stated.

Sanghavi mentioned that the Home Department has been allocated Rs 14,265 crore and the Law and Justice Department Rs 2,702 crore, aimed at bolstering law enforcement efforts and securing a safe environment for residents.

He elaborated on the modernization of the state's security framework under the 'BHARAT' vision, which encompasses six key pillars such as border, coastal, and cyber security, technology-driven policing, rapid emergency response, and enhancement of infrastructure and personnel.

According to Sanghavi, advanced surveillance systems are set to be installed along Gujarat’s 512-kilometre international border with Pakistan and its 2,300-kilometre coastline.

Additionally, he noted welfare initiatives for police personnel, stating, “For the first time in the country, over 20,400 houses have been simultaneously approved for police families in Gujarat.”

He explained that the government has upgraded the previous one-bedroom housing provision for police constables and jail warders to two-bedroom units.

The Police Housing Corporation has already provided more than 45,000 houses to police families, with another 8,104 homes currently being built at an expense of Rs 2,604 crore.

On policing reforms, Sanghavi remarked that the 'Dial 112 Jan Rakshak' emergency response initiative has reduced the average police response time to 11 minutes and 23 seconds.

He also mentioned that the state has enhanced technology-based policing through the 'VISWAS' project and the integration of modern equipment for officers.

Discussing crimes against children, Sanghavi stated that the government has prioritized swift investigations and strict penalties under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

“From 2022 to 2026, investigations were finalized within 15 days in 286 cases and between 15 to 30 days in 1,295 cases,” he noted.

During this timeframe, courts handed down convictions in 1,439 cases, resulting in life sentences for 907 offenders and the death penalty for 14 individuals.

He also disclosed plans to bolster judicial infrastructure by establishing 18 new exclusive fast-track POCSO courts across 14 districts.

New senior civil judge courts are set to open in Meghraj, Ghoghamba, Kodinar, and Abdasa to improve access to justice in less accessible regions.

“For the first time in the nation, 'Para Legal Volunteers' (PLVs) will be appointed to offer legal and emotional support in cases involving child crimes,” he asserted.

On the topic of drug trafficking, Sanghavi dismissed claims that children in Gujarat are succumbing to drug addiction. “Political criticisms should not aim to tarnish Gujarat’s reputation,” he remarked.

He further asserted, “Claims suggesting that seven-year-old children are involved in drug abuse should be made responsibly. This generation is unaware of the real meaning and has only heard about 'curfew' in the current government because they do not witness it. During Congress rule, it was commonplace.”

He revealed that authorities have confiscated over one lakh kilograms of narcotics valued at more than Rs 14,000 crore under the NDPS Act and arrested 4,316 individuals described as drug traffickers and dealers.

Six zones of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) have been established to dismantle drug networks.

Sanghavi also addressed actions against illegal land encroachments associated with organized crime.

“In this tranquil and secure state, mercy and lawlessness cannot coexist. Action will surely be taken against land mafias and anti-social elements,” he cautioned.

He reported that authorities have acted against 7,902 illegal sites across six districts — Devbhumi Dwarka, Kutch, Gir Somnath, Jamnagar, Junagadh, and Dahod — as of January this year, reclaiming 1,807 hectares of land with an estimated market value of Rs 2,246.55 crore.

According to him, the highest land recovery value reached Rs 1,355 crore in Kutch, while demolition operations were conducted at 3,010 sites in Gir Somnath.

“Areas like Chandola in Ahmedabad and Jangleshwar in Rajkot had turned into crime and illegal activity hubs due to encroachments. With these valuable lands now cleared, they can be repurposed for civic amenities and major urban development initiatives,” he stated.

Concerning security along the state’s borders, Sanghavi reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting Gujarat’s 512-kilometre international border and its coastline.

“Do not mistake our decency for weakness. If anyone casts an evil eye on Gujarat’s borders, the police are equipped to respond decisively,” he warned.

The state Assembly approved a total budget request of Rs 16,967 crore for the Home Department and the Law and Justice Department.