Notorious gangster Maradu Aneesh arrested; sent to  Viyyur Central Prison under KAAPA

KOCHI: Notorious gangster Maradu Aneesh has been arrested and detained under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) for one year. He has been sent to Viyyur Central Prison following action by the Maradu Police. Aneesh is accused in around 50 cases registered in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A case was also registered against him last month for allegedly entering a spa and issuing threats. After being named as an accused in that case, he allegedly tried to flee to Mysuru but was caught by the police. He had also been detained under KAAPA in 2023.

Meanwhile, Kerala Police have intensified action against criminal gangs and habitual offenders across the state. A special statewide crackdown, Operation Grip, is being carried out under the direct supervision of the ADGP, Law and Order. Between August 8 and 20, police placed 10,519 anti-social elements under close surveillance as part of the operation. The main aim of the drive is to gather intelligence on criminal gangs and take preventive steps to stop violent incidents.

Operation Grip was launched on August 8 with the initial aim of arresting Arjun Ayanki, an accused in several cases who had allegedly gone into hiding after threatening the state Home Minister and police officers. Police managed to arrest him within 48 hours of launching the operation. However, the crackdown did not end with his arrest. The ADGP, Law and Order, directed all District Police Chiefs to continue and intensify Operation Grip until criminal gangs, mafia groups and other organised offenders across the state are brought under control.

As part of the ongoing drive, police have so far arrested and remanded 158 absconding accused wanted in various cases. Reports have also been submitted to courts against 47 people who allegedly violated their bail conditions after being released. The bail of two of them has since been cancelled. The ADGP, Law and Order, said strict action against anti-social elements disrupting peace and public order would continue in the coming days, with no leniency towards habitual offenders and criminal gangs.