55 people caught in one night after history-sheeter threatens Kerala Police
The Kerala Police have launched a state-wide crackdown on rowdy elements and gang members after recent threats issued by history-sheeter Arjun Ayanki, officials said on
The Kerala Police have launched a state-wide crackdown on rowdy elements and gang members after recent threats issued by history-sheeter Arjun Ayanki, officials said on Sunday. The drive, called 'Operation Grip', is aimed at breaking criminal networks and targeting gangsters as well as their associates and sponsors. State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the operation had begun on Saturday, while police said 55 people had been apprehended by 10 pm that night. Ayanki was arrested on Sunday from Kannur after allegedly threatening police officers in Kothamangalam following police action against him.
Read Full Story Speaking to reporters, Chennithala said, "A number of people involved in criminal activities, history-sheeters are being monitored and nabbed. We will not allow any goonda activities in Kerala." ADGP (Law and Order) P Vijayan said the operation was planned while police were tracking Ayanki. "When we saw Arjun Ayanki's statement and challenge, we viewed it as a measure to ensure no one else would throw such challenges again. Because of that, after launching a programme called 'Operation Grip', as part of an effort to bring all the identified notorious goondas more strongly before the law, around 55 people were apprehended by 10 pm on Saturday night," he said.
Police sources said the drive was being carried out in coordination with the state and district intelligence units. A senior officer said history-sheeters involved in criminal gang activities were being monitored, those still active were being detained, and people absconding in cases linked to goonda activities were also being traced. The officer said the move was aimed at ensuring a peaceful Onam season in the state. Police said Ayanki was involved in 23 criminal cases. He had also challenged Chennithala on social media while in hiding.
Police had recently registered a case against Ayanki for allegedly making defamatory statements against VD Satheesan on social media. The operation, launched amid the Ayanki case, is focused on tightening action against identified gang members and history-sheeters across Kerala ahead of Onam. Ends
The BriefWire