Four absconders were among the nearly 500 persons who were arrested by the city police during a special drive across the city from 9 p.m. on Friday till 5 a.m. on Saturday. The drive, part of the ‘Mission 30 Days’ programme and ahead of a VIP visit on Sunday, also saw the arrest of 163 persons who had warrants against them and 22 persons wanted in criminal cases.
According to City Commissioner P. Vijayan, the drive, carried out by officers from all police stations in the city, saw 90 persons being taken into custody for drunk driving while 60 persons were charged for drinking in public places. More than 2,400 vehicles were checked; 650 persons booked, under the Motor Vehicles Act, and petty cases registered against 75 persons. As many as 275 lodges too were inspected.
The vehicle checking, which began at 39 spots across the city after erecting pickets at all roads leading to the city, would continue in the coming days, he said, adding that orders had been issued to all police stations to carry out arrests of those accused in criminal cases and warrant cases, particularly with the elections and VIP visits ahead. Inspection of weapons and explosives too was on in the city limits for the past few days, Mr. Vijayan added.
