Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

New efforts to curb gangs

Thiruvananthapuram: In a renewed effort to crack down on organised crime, the police are issuing orders restraining suspected gangsters from entering neighbourhoods in which they are known to operate.

The ‘restriction orders’ are being issued (arguably for the first time in the State) under section 15 of the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 2007.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Arun Kumar Sinha said the new measure will help insulate the public against thugs and gangs thriving on extortion and contract killing. It is also aimed at curbing gang-related violence.

Mr. Sinha today forbid suspected gangster Robin Das alias Thankuttan from entering Nedumangadu taluk. The suspect could be detained for one year without trial if he violated the order.

Earlier, the IGP had ordered Das to appear before him and showcause why the police should not restrict his entry into Nedumangadu taluk. Das is wanted in over 12 cases, including murder and armed robbery.

He has also restrained alleged gangster Biju from entering Neyyatinkara taluk. The suspect is wanted in robbery and kidnapping cases.

The district police are seeking the custody of 21 others under the anti-goonda law. An official said ‘gang leaders’ Attingal Ayyappan and Pratheesh were high on the list of wanted men.

He said Ayyappan was using a fake passport to shuttle undetected between Dubai and Kerala.

The police are verifying a report that Ayyapan is in regular touch with a police official in Attingal. Investigators are collecting information on his Gulf-based sponsors. A notice to ‘lookout’ for Ayappan will be issued to all land, air and sea emigration check-posts in the country.

The police will seek the assistance of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to circulate the notice internationally through the Interpol.

Already, there are over 60,000 lookout notices, including those of foreigners, on Emigration Department’s computerised records. An official said it would be difficult to monitor the entry and exit of wanted persons, particularly if they were travelling on fake passports.

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