Kerala launches massive hunt for goondas
Synopsis
Orders have been issued to district collectors to arrest the goondas under KAAPA.
Responding to the clamour for a crackdown on goonda gangs in the state after the abduction of Mollywood actress at Kochi on Friday night, Kerala Police has launched a massive hunt for criminals. The hunt, headed by the Intelligence wing of Kerala Police, aims to take stringent action against known criminals within 30 days.
The State Intelligence Wing has prepared a list of 2010 goondas across the state who entered criminal records for committing crimes including rape, kidnapping, drug peddling and illegal financial transactions. The list was handed over to range IGs and district police chiefs. The respective police officers should arrest the criminals under Kerala Anti-social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) and file a report within 30 days.
Strict orders have been issued to district collectors to arrest the goondas under KAAPA. As per the list prepared by the State Intelligence, Alappuzha has the most number of goondas (336) followed by Kannur (305) and Thiruvananthapuram (236).
The government and the state Home Department had come under criticism for failing to ensure the safety of women and to maintain law and order. Besides the opposition, the CPI, the second largest partner in the ruling front, also came down heavily on the government.