THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the peace of mind of people are being destroyed by goonda gangs and drug mafia, the state police are still stumbling in intelligence. The twin murder in Alappuzha came two days after the announcement of 'Operation Kaaval' to nab the goons.

While the police have ramped up efforts to nab the criminals, Balaramapuram town in the state capital witnessed some violent scenes on Monday. Two people came by bike and hacked people before destroying 9 vehicles, including a mini lorry. The police force once again failed to notice these goons and prevent such a crime.

The violence, including the twin murders, happened soon after the launch of special squads and various operations at the station level to curb organized crime. The DGP's instructions are not being implemented at the grassroots level. DySPs and SPs are not supervising the operations properly. The intelligence unit remains inactive. The police and the government are not taking intelligence warnings seriously.

Within hours of the first murder in Alappuzha, a group of armed men were seen travelling on bikes through the city. It was this gang that carried out the second murder. This incident is a testament to the serious negligence of the police. The police could have saved at least one life if they had taken necessary precautions and carried out inspections. The state has recently witnessed a number of brutal murders including the ones in Palakkad and Pothencode.

Operation Kaaval

• The DGP's announcement that anti-socials, assailants, goons and those released on bail will be continuously monitored by the Special Branch and that the culprits will be nabbed within days should be implemented.
• Police should create a database of perpetrators of violent acts and detain regular criminals under the Goonda Act.
• Those who call for violence must be caught. Goonda-assailant hunts should be under the control of top police officials.