Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Police to restrict ‘goondas’ from entering capital city

Thiruvananthapuram: The police have prepared a list of 40 suspected ‘goonda’ elements who they say pose a “grave and imminent threat” to public peace and security in the city.

These persons will be served “restriction orders” preventing them from entering the city. The orders will be issued under the provisions of the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. Those who violate the order will be arrested.

The police are also contemplating stringent action against those who “conceal” wanted persons. Harbourers will face arrest and imprisonment up to one year.

The police said they were collecting information on a set of hotel owners, real estate brokers, moneylenders and liquor traders (operating toddy shops in the name of others) who cultivate gang leaders.

The police are also seeking information on such persons from the public.

Citizens willing to volunteer information on crime-related activity, anonymously or otherwise, can call 1090 (Crime Stopper Cell) or 0471 2320579 (Police Commissioner’s Office).

An official said a hotel owner in Kovalam had harboured Goondukadu Shabu, alleged gang leader arrested on Friday, for some time. The police were also investigating a television serial producer on the charge of “concealing” Shabu after the District Collector declared him a wanted man this June. The police were verifying Shabu’s cell phone records to identity his contacts.

The police said gang leaders, by scaring away competitors, bagged most of the government contracts for collecting levy from traders using public markets and also the rights to sell offerings in State-run temples.

The police had set up a plainclothes squad to nab gang leaders, their associates and sponsors.

Assistant Commissioner E. Sherifudeen heads the squad. Circle Inspectors V. Suresh Kumar (Medical College) and R. Mahesh Kumar (Pettah) are assisting him.

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