Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Monday, urged for a unified effort to identify and take action against 'mathadis' (porters) involved in blackmail and extortion. Speaking during a rally commemorating the birth anniversary of Mathadi leader Late Annadsaheb Patil in Vashi, Fadnavis emphasized the need for stringent measures against such activities, stated a PTI report. 

Fadnavis, according to the report, stressed that the state government's objective was not to impose new legislation on 'mathadis' but to amend the existing act, which is over half a century old, to ensure appropriate action against those found guilty. He acknowledged that the presence of fake and extortionist 'mathadis' had led several industries to relocate outside the state, causing economic challenges.