Police begin operations to crackdown on goons in Kerala, 300 criminals arrested

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A state-wide police operation has been launched to crack down on goons and the drug mafia. Under the leadership of district police chiefs, 300 criminals have been arrested in operations called Operation Aag and Operation D-hunt since 6 am on Wednesday.

Gangsters, drug dealers, criminals, habitual criminals and warrant suspects are among the arrested. In Thiruvananthapuram, a man was arrested under sections of Goonda Act. The operations will continue in the coming days. The police action is following the Kerala Kaumudi report of goonda activity across the state.

The DGP has directed the district police chiefs to break ties between goons and drug mafia. Operations are under the direct control of District Police Chiefs under the supervision of IG DIGs. The houses of the gangsters were raided. Those who were previously convicted in goonda and drug cases and those who were deported are being investigated. A case will be filed on receiving information regarding illegal activities. In February 2023, 2000 people were arrested in goon hunt under Operation Aag. 1500 cases were registered. After that, crackdown on goons is being held now.

The police have found that drug mafia has been providing financial help to goon gangs in order to facilitate cross-border drug trafficking. Habitual criminals doing drug dealings will be kept in preventive detention. All the violent crimes are being done under the influence of drugs.

Gang leaders under police radar

• All those with more than two criminal cases were arrested in the goon hunt. The police avoided catching goon leaders till now. This time they will also be caught.
• Special mission to nab habitual offenders, those with criminal history and warrants, and those in hiding