Criminal gangs threaten public safety; 227 detained under Goonda Act

THRISSUR: With rising incidents of murder, violent clashes, and drug trafficking, criminal gangs continue to pose a serious threat to public life in Kerala. In response, authorities have invoked the Goonda Act to detain 227 individuals in central prisons across the state. The majority of those detained are repeat offenders involved in multiple serious crimes, including homicide. These individuals are currently serving sentences ranging from three months to one year in the central prisons of Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, and Viyyur.

A few days ago, during the birthday party of a gang member in Nellankara, Mannuthy, Thrissur, a clash broke out among the gang members. When the police arrived after learning about the incident, they were attacked. However, the police managed to arrest the gang members involved. DGP Ravada Chandrasekhar has stated that strict action will be taken against the gangsters.

Meanwhile, concerns are rising over the ineffectiveness of surveillance systems, as several gangsters who were exiled from their home districts under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) are reportedly returning and resuming criminal activities even before their banishment period ends. Some of them manage to appeal to advisory boards and secure early release.

Police surveillance measures

1. Following the Nellankara incident, Thrissur Range IG Harishankar has directed strict daily monitoring of gangster activities across the Thrissur Range, which includes the districts of Palakkad, Thrissur, and Malappuram.
2. Strategies are being developed to dismantle the propaganda networks of gangsters. As part of this, 38 Instagram accounts used for promotion by gang members have been hacked. Steps are also being taken to prevent teenagers from being influenced or recruited by these gangs.

Gangsters in central jails
Kannur Central Jail (North Zone): 92
Viyyur Central Jail (Central Zone): 131
Thiruvananthapuram Central Jail (South Zone): 4