Maharashtras CM Unveils AI Tools to Combat Illegal Immigration and Drug Abuse

Mumbai, March 31: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced plans on Monday to utilize data-driven tools and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to identify illegal Bangladeshi immigrants.

He highlighted partnerships with institutions like the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) to develop an AI tool that will assist authorities in distinguishing between legitimate residents and those living in the city without valid documentation. These tools will be deployed after testing is completed.

Additionally, CM Fadnavis declared a “Major War” against drugs, with a particular focus on educational institutions. The state’s Director General of Police is formulating a new strategy to keep campuses free from illegal substances.

Fadnavis, who also oversees the Home Department, spoke to reporters after chairing the biennial state police officers’ conference in Mumbai. He presented a comprehensive agenda for state security, emphasizing the eradication of Naxalism, the integration of AI in policing, and stringent actions against drug trafficking.

He announced government efforts towards a fully digital legal process, setting a six-month deadline for the Director General of Police to digitize the entire process from filing First Information Reports to submitting charge sheets. Blockchain technology will be employed to ensure the authenticity of evidence.

The Criminal Investigation Department has been tasked with analyzing cases from the past four to five years that resulted in no convictions. He further stated that the goal is to identify flaws and increase the state’s conviction rate from the current 50% to a target of 95%.

The Chief Minister praised the Maharashtra Police for their ongoing efforts to nearly eradicate Naxalism in the state. He paid tribute to the 244 police officers who lost their lives in this struggle.