Cabinet okays Bill for stringent law to curb menace of organised crime

The state cabinet on Wednesday approved theRajasthan Control of Organized Crime Bill, 2023, with stringent provisions.

The cabinet noted that the nature of crime has changed in recent years and criminals have now formed gangs to carry out crimes while there is no special law to deal with such crimes in the state.

The Bill has made a provision for death or life imprisonment in case of death caused by a criminal gang, and a minimum fine of Rs 1 lakh. Those who indulge in criminal conspiracy and give shelter to gang members will invite a minimum of five-year jail term and a maximum of life term and a minimum Rs 5 lakh penalty. Those who acquired wealth through organized crime may invite a minimum of three-year jail term and a maximum of a life sentence and a minimum fine of Rs 2 lakh.

The Bill also makes a provision for special courts for the trial of such cases. The trials will be held in closed courts, and witnesses identities will be kept secret. There is a provision for seizure or demolition of property acquired through organized crime.