The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Detention of youth under anti-goonda law sought

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Sunday, Feb 17, 2008
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Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Detention of youth under anti-goonda law sought

Staff Reporter

Charges include kidnapping, attempted murder

15 cases pending against Jayan in Museum station
Detention notices being prepared against 15 more

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

The police had arrested Jayan last week on the charge of threatening a jail warden at sword point. He 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 Prison, Poojappura.

The police have accused Jayan of running an extortion racket in Jagathy and Edapazhanji area. They said he collected up to Rs.1,000 on a monthly basis from traders, rent-a-car businessmen and travel agents in the city.

The Medical College police had arrested Jayan in 2002 on the charge of kidnapping and raping a minor Maldivian girl. The police later rescued the girl from a house in Bangalore.

Other charges against Jayan included attempted murder, causing grievous injury and assault. The police said there are 15 cases pending against Jayan in Museum police station alone.

In 2005, Jayan was arrested by the police on the charge of ramming a car into a motorbike driven by a youth owing allegiance to a rival gang. The then Chief Minister A. K. Antony, who chanced to witness the crime, informed the police and ensured that the injured youth was quickly transported to the hospital. The police later booked Jayan 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. A drunken brawl had resulted in the violence.

The police are preparing similar detention notices against 15 more anti-social elements in the city

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