The Hindu : Front Page : Revival of APCOCA mooted

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Apr 25, 2006

Front Page

Front Page

Revival of APCOCA mooted

Special Correspondent

Move to curb faction violence in Rayalaseema; special court at Anantapur likely

HYDERABAD: The State Government is considering revival of AP Control of Organised Crime Act (APCOCA), 2001, which has lapsed, and establishment of a special court at Anantapur for fast track disposal of cases related to factional violence.

These recommendations were made at a high-level meeting to discuss steps to check factional violence in the backdrop of the recent killing of two Telugu Desam activists in Anantapur, including a former MLA.

The meeting also suggested imposition of punitive tax on citizens to recover security-related expenditure in the region. It decided to implement the Preventive Detention Act against suspects stringently and take steps frequently to bind over the warring groups.

Briefing reporters later, Home Minister K. Jana Reddy said no decision could be made on withdrawal of security to leaders with factional background.

The final picture on the issue could emerge after a couple of meetings. It was, however, decided not to issue fresh arms licences to such people.

The existing licences should be withdrawn. He added that an ordinance to revive APCOCA, which was enacted with a life of three years, was contemplated as the Assembly was not in session to make legislation for the purpose. Barring a couple of changes, the Act might be revived in its original shape.

The State Government was considering whether to drop the provision of initiating action against police officers following violence.

Under control

The meeting noted that factionalism was well under control in Kadapa and Kurnool. The situation was not bad in Anantapur until the recent incidents.

Mr. Reddy praised the efforts of the police in gathering leads to the murder of former MLA Suryapratap Reddy within three to four hours of the killing.

Four culprits became jittery by the search operations and surrendered in court. Alleged killers in the second murder were arrested within 12 hours.

Referring to the allegations against Panchayatraj Minister J.C. Diwakar Reddy and his family members in the murder of Suryapratap Reddy, the Home Minister said they would be inquired into.

He also said the meeting discussed the support that the factions received from extremist organisations active in Anantapur like the Reorganising Committee (ROC) and Red Star. ]ROC leader Pothula Suresh and his associates were still at large. The organisations were earlier directly involved in crimes.

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