Thiruvananthapuram,August 9
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday warned of stringent action against gangsters and anti-social elements, saying the government would not allow anyone to challenge the law or threaten the peaceful lives of people in the state.
His remarks came after police arrested Arjun Ayanki, an accused in several criminal cases, following a days-long search.
Chennithala said Kerala was not a haven for gangsters and that criminals who openly challenged the police and the government would face the consequences. The crackdown, he stressed, would not be restricted to Ayanki, with police directed to act firmly against criminal gangs across the state.
The government would also proceed against those who harbour or provide protection to gangsters. Political connections or other forms of influence would not prevent the police from taking legal action against offenders, he said.
With the Onam season approaching, Chennithala said the government had stepped up preventive measures to ensure that criminal elements did not disrupt public life or create fear among residents.
Police stations across Kerala have been instructed to prepare lists of known gangsters, anti-social elements and those facing proceedings under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA). Individuals identified through the exercise would be placed under close surveillance as part of the statewide crackdown.
Referring to Ayanki’s arrest, Chennithala said recent developments had demonstrated that those who challenged the police could not evade the law indefinitely. No individual was above the law, and attempts to intimidate law enforcement agencies would be dealt with firmly.
The minister also rejected allegations that criminal elements enjoyed the protection of the UDF government, pointing out that the administration had assumed office only two months ago.
Maintaining public order and ensuring that citizens could live without fear remained the government’s priority, Chennithala said, adding that there would be no compromise in dealing with organised crime.
