Date:13/11/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/11/13/stories/2005111310850100.htm

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Goonda Act in next Assembly session

Staff Reporter

Chandy makes first visit to Neyyattinkara Bishop's House after October 17 attack

Says absconding suspects will be arrested soon
Denies that his visit is aimed at appeasing the Latin Catholic Church

Holds closed-door meeting with the Bishop

GIVES A SOOTHING TOUCH: Neyyattinkara Bishop Vincent Samuel with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy when the latter called on him at the Bishop's House on Saturday. Photo: C. Ratheesh Kumar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Saturday said that stern measures would be taken to suppress anti-social activities allegedly orchestrated by the `liquor and goonda mafia,' in Neyyattinkara.

He was speaking to mediapersons after visiting the Bishop's House at Neyyattinkara.

"We will not look into the political background of persons indulging in such crimes," he said.

"The Government will pass the Goonda Act (Felonious Activities Prevention Bill) in the next Assembly session," Mr. Chandy said. The Chief Minister, who is visiting the Bishop's House for the first time since the attack on October 17, said he wanted to visit the place only after the `real culprits' had been arrested. "The attack was a heinous act and I wanted to come here with evidence against the culprits. The police have now arrested the prime accused in the case. The suspects who are absconding will also be arrested soon," he said.

Mr. Chandy denied that his visit was aimed at appeasing the members of the Latin Catholic Church in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha byelection in Thiruvananthapuram. (Archbishop of Latin Catholic Diocese, Thiruvananthapuram, M. Susaipakiam on Thursday had said that the attack would influence the coming elections.)

"My visit has nothing to do with the elections. This is an official visit. I have come in my State car," the Chief Minister explained. Neyyattinkkara Bishop Vincent Samuel, who was also present on the occasion, expressed satisfaction over the Chief Minister's visit.

"We were disappointed that the Chief Minister did not visit us after the incident. But now that feeling has gone," he said.

Earlier, Mr. Chandy accompanied by Transport Minister N. Sakthan and Congress leaders K.V. Thomas, P. P. George, Palode Ravi and Thampanoor Ravi reached the Bishop's House at 8 a.m. and held a closed-door discussion with the Bishop and the priests for nearly 45 minutes.

The discussion was followed up by a five-minute confidential meeting between the Bishop and the Chief Minister.