'Those indulging in arson won't be spared'

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday sent out a stern message to miscreants who set goverment properties ablaze. The offenders would have to cough up a hefty fine and if required, their personal property could also be seized.

While addressing an event held to celebrate Khadyasathi Divas and Police Investiture Ceremony on Friday afternoon, Banerjee said, "The Bill will be introduced in the forthcoming Assembly session."

Banerjee in her speech said, "We spend a lot of money on buying the police vans. There is no one to refund us the money. Do not take the laws so lightly. Instead of rioting, please lodge complaints against the services with which you are dissatisfied," she added.

In an obvious reference to CPI (M), she said that these riots were planned by an idle bunch. "Do not participate in such destructive activities. The masses have chosen us over your party, please behave sensibly. Democracy does not mean causing damage to government and private properties," she said.

Here an incident in the 1950s comes to mind, when communists had set more than a dozen trams ablaze to protest a two-paisa fare hike.

Mamata said that the cyber crime department had been directed to keep a close surveillance on mischief makers in social media. "When we came to power, we were unaware of cyber crimes. But, now, experience has taught us not to take cyber crimes lightly," she said. She also urged the masses not to get carried away by rumour-mongering on social media.

Banerjee congratulated the police force for successfully launching the "Safe Drive Save Life" scheme and also ordered them to spread the initiative to the districts. "On weekends, we will hold awareness campaigns on road rules."

"Our police force works under all perilous conditions and we must respect and appreciate them," she said. Applauding the police force for their devotion to duty, she urged citizens to regard them as friends who selflessly helped people in distress.

She also expressed concern over the recent incident at Bhangar where cops who tried to restore peace were thwarted by mischief makers.