Congress Leader Jagtap Critiques Mumbai Police for Poor Handling of High-Profile Cases

Mumbai, Jan 27 (NationPress) Maharashtra MLA and senior Congress leader Bhai Jagtap has expressed his discontent with the Mumbai Police regarding their alleged mishandling of various high-profile cases.

In a conversation with IANS, Jagtap stated, “The Mumbai Police, which is often likened to Scotland Yard due to their effectiveness and professionalism, are currently damaging their reputation with inadequate investigations. Their approach to cases is increasingly regarded as superficial.”

Discussing the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh in Beed, Jagtap noted that the momentum in the case arose from public and political pressure. “The primary suspect was charged under MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) only because of our relentless advocacy,” he explained to IANS.

Jagtap also raised alarms about the police allegedly presenting “duplicate” suspects in the assault on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan.

He remarked, “Such actions cast doubt on the credibility of investigations and tarnish the image of both Maharashtra and its police force. As the Opposition, we will hold the state government responsible in the forthcoming Budget Session.”

Additionally, Jagtap criticized the Central government concerning the Padma Awards selection process.

Referring to an award reportedly bestowed upon an individual for determining the auspicious timing (muhurat) for the Ram temple consecration, he stated, “This trivializes our nation’s highest civilian honors. The Padma Awards are intended to acknowledge those who have made noteworthy contributions to the country. Sadly, the respect and dignity of these awards have diminished since 2014. It’s not about a specific person, but rather about the esteem these awards warrant under our Constitution.”

In response to claims by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) branding Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi as “dishonest,” Jagtap dismissed these allegations as mere election tactics.

“As elections approach, unfounded accusations arise. The AAP, which emerged from a movement, is now facing serious allegations regarding many of its leaders. The citizens of this country can see through such ploys, and LoP Rahul Gandhi remains unfazed by these baseless claims,” he conveyed to IANS.

Regarding the imminent Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, Jagtap reiterated his longstanding belief that the Congress should contest independently, without forming alliances.

He asserted, “When I was the president of Mumbai Congress, even during the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, I advocated for the Congress to participate in the BMC elections independently. Coordination within the MVA was effective then, but the Congress must assert its strength and engage in this battle alone.”

Jagtap also weighed in on the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) by the Uttarakhand government. “Our Constitution is among the finest globally. Any new legislation must undergo comprehensive deliberation in Parliament. Regrettably, this government tends to circumvent democratic protocols, as evidenced in the instances of farm and labor laws,” he cautioned.

Welcoming the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused conspirator in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Jagtap stated, “This represents a significant achievement for our nation. Anyone who has acted against India’s interests must face justice under our Constitution. This also applies to all those evading justice abroad—they should be returned and prosecuted.”