CM Fadnavis: Bishnoi gang crackdown, power reforms, juvenile law change
Synopsis
During the Maharashtra Monsoon Session 2026 on 30 June, CM Devendra Fadnavis announced the arrest of Anmol Bishnoi and Pravin Lonkar, praised the Bhiwandi power model, proposed lowering juvenile criminal age to 16, set an 18-crore tree plantation target, and ordered emergency repair of Kolhapuri bandharas.
Key Takeaways
Anmol Bishnoi and Pravin Lonkar of the Bishnoi gang have been arrested, with CM Fadnavis confirming intensified action against organised crime.
The Bhiwandi Pattern of electricity distribution has been declared a success; the state is committed to resolving power consumer grievances.
Maharashtra will propose to the Central Government that the age of juvenile criminal responsibility be lowered from 18 to 16 years .
The Police Act will be amended to prevent illegal dance bars from operating in the state.
CM Fadnavis directed officials to plan for a target of 18 crore trees using advanced technology.
An emergency repair programme for Kolhapuri bandharas has been ordered, with water conservation works to be prioritised given the threat of El Nino .
The Chief Minister's Office of Maharashtra posted a legislative-day summary on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, outlining key announcements made by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during the Monsoon Session 2026 of the Maharashtra State Assembly, covering gang crackdowns, power distribution reforms, juvenile justice proposals, and environmental targets.
Bishnoi Gang Crackdown
Chief Minister Fadnavis informed the Assembly that action against the Bishnoi gang has been intensified, with Anmol Bishnoi and Pravin Lonkar now in custody. The Bishnoi gang, linked to organised crime and extortion networks with cross-border tentacles, has been a persistent law-and-order concern in Maharashtra and other states. The Chief Minister's statement signals the state government's intent to pursue high-profile organised crime figures aggressively.
Power Distribution and the Bhiwandi Pattern
Fadnavis declared the 'Bhiwandi Pattern' (Bhiwandi model of electricity distribution) a success, reaffirming the government's commitment to resolving the problems of power consumers across Maharashtra. The Bhiwandi model, which involved privatising power distribution in the town to reduce losses and improve service, has historically been cited as a replicable urban electricity reform. The Chief Minister's remarks suggest the state intends to scale this approach.
Additionally, Fadnavis announced that the Police Act will be amended to curb illegal dance bars operating in the state, a recurring urban governance challenge that has seen multiple rounds of legislation and court challenges over the past two decades.
Juvenile Justice Reform Proposal
In a significant policy announcement, CM Fadnavis stated that the Maharashtra government will put forward a proposal to the Central Government to lower the age of criminal responsibility for juveniles from 18 years to 16 years. He also announced stringent action against those who use children as instruments to commit crimes. The proposal, if accepted at the Centre, would require amendments to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act and reflects growing concern over the exploitation of minors by organised crime networks.
Tree Plantation Drive and Water Conservation
Fadnavis directed officials to plan effectively to meet the state's tree plantation target of 18 crore trees, emphasising the use of advanced technology and systematic planning in the drive. He also addressed water conservation, stating that the potential threat of El Nino should be treated as an opportunity to accelerate water conservation works that can be completed in a short period. The Chief Minister specifically directed authorities to undertake an emergency repair programme for damaged Kolhapuri bandharas (traditional weirs), which are critical for water retention across rural Maharashtra.
What's Next
The Maharashtra Monsoon Session 2026 is expected to see formal tabling of the Police Act amendment bill related to dance bars and the preparation of the Centre-bound proposal on juvenile age limits. Progress on the Bhiwandi Pattern expansion and the 18-crore tree plantation target will be closely tracked by civic and environmental groups. The repair drive for Kolhapuri bandharas is set to be executed on a priority basis ahead of the peak monsoon period.
Point of View
The dual focus on El Nino preparedness and the 18-crore tree target suggests the administration is aware that environmental governance is increasingly a voter-facing issue in Maharashtra.
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Anmol Bishnoi and why was he arrested in Maharashtra?
Anmol Bishnoi is a member of the Bishnoi gang, an organised crime network. CM Devendra Fadnavis announced in the Maharashtra Assembly on 30 June 2026 that Anmol Bishnoi and Pravin Lonkar have been taken into custody as part of an intensified crackdown on the gang.
What is the Bhiwandi Pattern in electricity distribution?
The Bhiwandi Pattern refers to a model of privatised power distribution implemented in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, aimed at reducing transmission losses and improving consumer service. CM Fadnavis declared it a success during the Monsoon Session 2026 and indicated the government's commitment to expanding such reforms.
Why does Maharashtra want to lower the juvenile crime age from 18 to 16?
CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that organised crime groups are increasingly using children to commit offences. Maharashtra intends to propose to the Central Government that the age of criminal responsibility for juveniles be lowered from 18 to 16 years, and also plans strict action against those who exploit minors for criminal activity.
What are Kolhapuri bandharas and why is Maharashtra repairing them?
Kolhapuri bandharas are traditional low-height weirs used to retain river water for irrigation and groundwater recharge in rural Maharashtra. CM Fadnavis ordered an emergency repair programme for damaged bandharas ahead of the monsoon, linking the effort to water conservation preparedness against a potential El Nino event.
What is Maharashtra's tree plantation target for 2026?
CM Devendra Fadnavis directed officials to plan and execute a drive to plant 18 crore trees , with an emphasis on using advanced technology and systematic planning to meet the target.
