THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state police launched a major crackdown on goons after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday directed State Police Chief Loknath Behera to speed up action against anti-social elements.
The district police chiefs and IGs have also been directed to arrest criminals under Kerala Antisocial Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA). Pinarayi asked Behera to submit a detailed report within 30 days.
As per the plan, ADGP (Intelligence) B Syed Mohammed Yasin handed over the list of 2010 history-sheeters to three Range Inspector Generals, district police chiefs and District Collectors. The list also included details of notorious criminal groups operating in various districts.
Alappuzha topped the list with 336 goons followed by Kannur, 305, while Thiruvananthapuram city has 236 goons. Surprisingly, Kochi has only 85 goons. The list included murder convicts, gangsters who are into robbery, rape and illegal money lending.
The Collectors have also been directed to order preventive detention of criminals based on police report.