KOCHI: What are the criteria to be a goon? Before letting out a chortle at that seemingly bizarre question, leaf through the Kerala Anti- Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA) to see for yourself the ‘qualifications’ mandatory to be a yobbo. Incidentally, the ‘rigid guidelines’ have resulted in limited number of arrests even after an anti-goonda drive was commenced in the state on February 15.
The fallout
The State Intelligence published a list of 2,010 goons, in February as part of a statewide crackdown on goons. The drive started from February 15. So far, the police have taken only 26 persons in to preventive custody under KAAPA and 24 accused are still at large. Officers said the numbers have shrunk because of the ‘qualifications.’ “The officials have prepared a list of criminals in their respective Ranges/Zones in which the numbers go higher. However, many persons in the list do not come under the category of ‘known goonda’ or ‘known rowdy’. So, action cannot not be initiated against them,” he said.
Official version
In all, 11,641 persons have been examined so far and we have recommended action against 12 persons and initiated good behaviour proceedings for 201 persons in Kochi Range as per KAAPA
P Vijayan, Kochi Range IG
I can reveal more about the status of the operation after the review meeting P Prakash, head of anti-goonda squad
KAAPA definition
‘Known Goonda’
The term means a person who had been found guilty of acts done within the previous seven years or found guilty in any investigation/inquiry on complaints initiated by persons other than police officers in two separate instances.
‘Known Rowdy’
As per KAAPA, this label means any person made guilty by reason of acts done within the previous 7 years/found guilty by a court twice. He should also be found guilty on complaints initiated by persons other than police officers in three separate instances.
The persons belong to the aforementioned groups should also be involved in a criminal activity in the last six months.
Good behaviour proceedings should be initiated before preventive detention by District Collector.