Police circles in Aluva revealed on Saturday that Kerala Anti-social Activities Prevention Act (KAPA) could be invoked against illegal money lenders arrested in the recent crackdown. More than 13 people have been arrested from various places in the district in connection with this. District police officials are reportedly discussing the issue with higher officials in the capital.
KAPA is likely to be enforced on those arrested who have previous record of arrest or imprisonment in connection with illegal money lending activities. Local police are of the opinion that unless strong measures are taken, the organised barbarism connected to the illegal money lending (referred to as the ‘blade mafia’) cannot be controlled.
Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan had told the senior police officers in the state that the government has resolved to put an end to all illegal practices (both at personal and business levels) related to money lending, and that the primary duty of the state was to protect the civil society from all organised barbarisms. The detention period under KAPA might be extended from the present six months of imprisonment to one year, it is reported.