Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Police seek detention of youth

Thiruvananthapuram: The city police have requested the District Collector to detain “Pantham” Jayan, a 28-year-old youth who is an accused in over 24 cases, under the provisions of the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act.

The police had arrested Jayan last week on for attempting to threaten a jail warden at sword point. An official said Jayan had made a vain attempt to evade arrest by throwing a country bomb at the police. Jayan is currently being held on remand at the Central Jail in Poojappura.

The police have accused Jayan of running an extortion racket in the Jagathy and Idapazhanjy areas. They said he collected Rs.500 to Rs.1000 on a monthly basis from traders, rent-a-car businessmen and small-time travel agents in the city.

The Medical College police had arrested him in 2002 in connection with the abduction and rape of a minor Maldivian girl.

The charges against Jayan include attempt to murder, and assault. There are 15 cases registered against Jayan in the Museum police station alone.

In 2005, Jayan was arrested by the police for ramming a car into a motorbike driven by a youth owing allegiance to a rival gang. The then Chief Minister A.K. Antony, who happened to witness the incident, had informed the police and ensured that the injured youth was quickly transported to the Medical College Hospital. The police booked Jayan later on the charge of attempted murder in connection with the incident.

In 2006, Jayan was arrested along with six others in connection with an armed clash between rival gangs at Thycaud. The police had seized bombs, swords and iron rods from the suspects. Six motorcycles were damaged in the attack. The accused caused terror in the area by exploding country bombs. The police said a drunken brawl had resulted in the violence.

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