Fadnavis Charts New Path for Maharashtra Police with AI and Technology

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasized the transformative potential of technology in modern policing, urging its fearless and strategic adoption to elevate law enforcement to new heights. Speaking at the annual Indian Police Foundation (IPF) event at the Maharashtra Police Headquarters in south Mumbai, Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio, likened technology to a horse, stating that its rider—policymakers and law enforcement—must steer it purposefully to achieve desired outcomes.

“Using technology in the right direction, fearlessly and in the right manner, can take policing to the next stage,” Fadnavis said. He highlighted the need for periodic restructuring of the police force to enhance agility, referencing a significant organizational overhaul in 2023—the first in 53 years—to address evolving challenges like cybercrime and white-collar crime, which have surpassed traditional street crime in significance.

Reflecting on historical hesitations about technology, Fadnavis noted that fears of job losses during the IT boom proved unfounded, with Indians making substantial contributions to global tech hubs like Silicon Valley. He drew parallels to the current era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), asserting that Maharashtra has pioneered its use in policing. The state’s cyber security lab, described as the country’s most advanced, has drawn international attention, with four countries seeking Maharashtra’s expertise to establish similar facilities.

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Fadnavis stressed the importance of integrating new systems while preserving the strengths of traditional policing methods, cautioning against resistance to technological advancements. He underscored that sustainable economic growth relies on robust law and order, warning that societies built on “mafia raj” are inherently unstable and prone to rapid decline.

The Maharashtra police’s adoption of AI tools has already yielded results, solving complex cases with greater efficiency. Fadnavis also highlighted the need to balance innovation with established systems to maintain policing effectiveness.

The event was attended by Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, and other senior officials, signaling strong institutional support for Fadnavis’s vision of a tech-driven police force. As cybercrime continues to pose a growing threat, Maharashtra’s proactive embrace of technology positions it as a leader in modernizing law enforcement in India.

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