Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi inaugurates Ahmedabad Rural Police projects

Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Tuesday (December 16, 2025) inaugurated and laid foundation stones for a series of infrastructure and technology-driven projects of the Ahmedabad Rural Police, including the newly built Khakhi Bhavan, at the Ahmedabad Rural Police headquarters.

The projects inaugurated by Mr. Sanghavi included the ADR-Shield, Blue Circuit project, Abhayyatri project, and the office of the Aslali Divisional Police Officer, while the foundation stone was laid for the Viramgam Police Line.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said Ahmedabad Rural Police practises a unique model of policing as the district encompasses both urban settlements and remote villages. “On one side, the region has heritage linked to the Harappan civilisation, and on the other, it hosts a large number of industrial units. The projects launched today will strengthen citizen services and facilities,” he said, expressing confidence that Ahmedabad Rural Police would emerge as a role model in winning public trust.

He attributed the region’s rapid industrial growth to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, stating that large-scale investments have generated employment for thousands. He also praised the police for maintaining industrial peace amid rapid development.

Commending the ADR-Shield project, Mr. Sanghavi said it would create a centralised portal containing data of workers arriving from across the country to industrial areas, helping authorities identify criminals hiding under the guise of employment. He added that initiatives such as Abhayyatri would further enhance public confidence in the police, and lauded the implementation of HRMS for managing police personnel data.

Mr. Sanghavi also announced that police grounds across Gujarat would be opened for youths preparing for upcoming police recruitment. “Aspirants would be allowed to train not only at police grounds but also at SRP and other facilities,” he said. Mr. Sanghavi said the State Government was also planning to provide coaches and physiotherapists to support candidates during training.

Praising the Gujarat Police’s Tera Tujhko Arpan initiative, he said people were now able to recover lost or stolen property quickly with police assistance. On cybercrime, he said the police had recently recovered ₹33 crore from cyber fraudsters in a single day. He added that on five days this month alone, more than 3,000 people were protected from cyber fraud after calling the national helpline 1930.

Highlighting a major crackdown on cybercrime, Mr. Sanghavi said Gujarat Police had carried out a “historic surgical strike” against mule bank accounts used by cybercriminals. “After a decision taken on December 8 to identify suspicious and mule accounts, police registered 508 cases and arrested 423 accused within just nine days,” he said.

The Home Minister also suggested fixing specific days and hours for citizens to meet police officers. “Criminals must fear the police and change their ways, but the police must deal with ordinary citizens with compassion to strengthen public trust,” he said.

Police officers from Ahmedabad Rural Police who delivered outstanding performance were felicitated on the occasion, and under Tera Tujhko Arpan, four citizens were reunited with their stolen cash and jewellery.

An exhibition showcasing police initiatives and capabilities, including the Blue Circuit rainwater harvesting project, smart police stations, cyber policing, dog squad, forensic units, advanced weapons, vehicles and equipment, was also organised at the headquarters and was visited by Sanghavi and other dignitaries.

Those present included Ahmedabad District Panchayat President Kanchanben Waghela, Director General of Police Vikas Sahay, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Nipuna Torawane, DG CID and Prisons K.L.N. Rao, ACB Director Piyush Patel, Ahmedabad Range Inspector General Vidhi Chaudhary, Ahmedabad (Rural) Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Jat, local MLAs and senior police officers.