Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Police is making renewed efforts to crack down on goons as the recently launched special drive targeting them so far had only limited impact. State Police Chief and Director General of Police (DGP), Law and Order, Anil Kant has ordered the force to catch hold of hoodlums at any cost.
The DGP also directed the District Police Superintendents to resume intensive vehicle-checking as part of efforts to control drunken driving.
It is alleged that though the Chief Minister had called a meeting of the Station House Officers (SHOs) and gave instruction to crush organised crimes, the officers in-charge of the police stations did not dare to touch notorious criminals, owing to the political clout of these goons.
Many times, several dreaded goons, who were caught in the morning, were sent on station bail by evening, making a mockery of the whole law and order system in the State.
In an online meeting attended by the SPs, the DGP instructed them to take up effective steps to put down organised crimes.
Anil Kant asked them to form special squads to bust illicit drug, liquor, gold and sand mafia operating in their respective districts. Earlier too the DGP had issued a few orders in this regard.
He also directed the SPs to register cases against the goons under both Goonda Act and the Indian Penal Code. Foremost priority be given to execute court warrants against the criminals, he ordered.
Patrolling should be intensified in railway stations and bus stands in early morning and in public places in the evenings.
The services of the senior officers should be ensured during evening patrol.
