Anti-gangster squad launches extensive operation against rowdy elements

Nearly 40 active gangsters in Chennai; anti-gangster squad cracks down on history sheeters

Most critical are the gangs that come to Chennai from outside the city for ‘assignments’. Imaging: Satwik Gade

Close to 40 notorious gangsters, involved in organised and realty crimes, are now active in Chennai city.The newly-formed anti-gangster operations squad of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) has prepared a list and categorised over 1,200 history sheeters members of the numerous gangs operating here, into four sections based on notoriety.The squad has also launched an extensive operation against the rowdy elements.

Gang wars led to action

A steady increase in gang wars, resulting in brutal murders in full public view, in various parts of the city, especially north Chennai, in recent months led to the revival of the anti-gangster wing of the CCB, said commissioner of police, S. George. The squad, led by additional deputy commissioner S. Jayakumar and assistant commissioner G. Ravi Shankar began operations early this month.

Rowdies categorised

“We have collated a list of rowdies who operate in the city and some others who come from other districts and commit grave offences here. The city-based rowdies are categorised into A+, A, B and C based on the severity of crimes the gangs are involved in,” said ADC Jayakumar.

While the A+ category comprises close to 40 gangsters, A has over 100, B has less than 300 and C comprises over 500 small-time rowdies. Following the enumeration, the squad sprung into action and extensively collected intelligence on the city’s gang activity. They then went after the gangsters and their hit-men. Till Friday, 13 gangsters with big crime records were arrested.

One of the first to be apprehended was Market Siva (56), operating from Tambaram and adjoining areas for the past three decades. Gangster Arcot Suresh (45) of Vyasarpadi, with over 45 criminal cases, including three murders, against him, was also arrested and put behind bars.

News of the crackdown spread like wildfire and several ‘wanted’ criminals surrendered to the police claiming they had abandoned criminal activities. The squad is now probing their pleas.

Renewed focus

Most critical are the gangs that come into the city for ‘assignments’. The anti-gangster squad is now focusing on apprehending out-of-town gangsters, dubbed as the most notorious. “Some of these gangsters are in possession of illegal fire arms including country-made pistols. We are planning a new strategy that includes intensive intelligence on their movement to and from the city, to tackle these hardcore criminals,” said assistant commissioner Ravi Shankar.