Maharashtra, Rajasthan Situation: RAF Battalions Put on Standby for Possible 'Emergent Deployment'

The Centre has asked CRPF to keep its Rapid Action Force (RAF) wing on standby amid the developing situation in Maharashtra and tensions in Rajasthan.

Top-level sources confirmed to News18 that the RAF has been asked to be ready to get deployed in Mumbai and other parts in particular at short notice.

They also said that a message has been sent to three battalions of the Rapid Action Force to keep troops on standby so that they can be sent to Mumbai and other places in Maharashtra to maintain law and order. However, no directive for deployment has been issued so far, added the sources.

It is also expected that the Centre may deploy additional forces if required to ensure peace in Maharashtra.

“All Commandants to ensure that all four Coys of their respective Units are kept ready to move for emergent deployment on short notice. Companies to be duly officered with full ops strength and commandants to accompany their respective units. All Coys should be equipped with full Anti Riot Equipment (ARE) and should carry Arms/Ammunition as per scale,” the message says.

The developments come even as, sources say, rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, party MLAs, and independents, who were sitting in Guwahati, are likely to come to Mumbai on Thursday. The revolt in the Sena, which headed the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra, forced chief minister Uddhav Thackeray to resign on Wednesday. Observers say Shinde is likely to join hands with the BJP to take power.

Sources in the home ministry said that the government is keeping an eye on the situation in the state and appropriate steps will be taken as per the requirement and necessity.

RAF troops are already deployed in Mumbai which remain at the disposal of local police, sources said.

Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari had on Sunday written to union home secretary Ajay Bhalla regarding the security of MLAs camping with Shinde and requested that adequate provision for central security forces be made and kept ready for them and their families in case the situation demands it.

Read all the Latest News , Breaking News , watch Top Videos and Live TV here.