THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Against the backdrop of an intense back and forth between police and Arjun Ayanki, a Kannur man with strong criminal antecedents, which culminated in the latter’s arrest on Sunday, state police have quietly rolled out the second leg of Operation Grip.
The special drive that started on Saturday is expected to run till the end of the week, with about 600 history-sheeters across the state placed under the scanner.
Speaking to TNIE, state police chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar said the people who feature in the rowdy and history-sheeter list in each district are currently being scrutinised for their involvement in antisocial and criminal activities.
“The intention is to get people still pursuing criminal activity detained under the Kerala Anti Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA),” Ravada said. “Stringent action will be initiated against them and their prosecution will be fast-tracked. We have been mounting surveillance on such people and suitable action required to maintain the peace will be taken.”
There are 20 police districts in the state and each of them keeps a list of 25-30 criminals or people with criminal antecedents.
Another senior officer said the most notorious criminals in each district are being summoned to police stations to ascertain their current activities. “We are examining whether they are still involved in criminal activities. We are checking their whereabouts, their networks and their current engagements. The first phase of Operation Grip began last December. We rolled out the second leg in the wake of Arjun Ayanki episode.”
There were issues recently, which suggested that criminal elements were trying to raise their heads. However, the Ayanki-episode was the immediate catalyst that prompted police to resume the drive. Senior officers had developed a feeling that a history-sheeter poking the department would send a bad message and that it could set a precedence of anti-social elements flouting law and belittling cops.
Sources said Arjun’s insinuation against Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala further riled up the department. Over 70 people have been detained under the second phase of the operation.
Strict scrutiny across districts
Speaking to TNIE, state police chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar said the people who feature in the rowdy and history-sheeter list in each district are currently being scrutinised for their involvement in antisocial and criminal activities.