The Dakshina Kannada police will invoke provisions of the Goonda (Karnataka Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Drug Offenders, Gamblers, Goondas) Act 1985 against 20 persons, including those arrested in three criminal incidents in Bantwal, said Inspector-General of Police (Western Range) P. Harishekaran.
Talking to reporters here on Saturday, he said a special police team was working to collect details of persons with criminal antecedents who are involved in acts that create communal tension in the district. “We are gathering information of 20 persons against whom we have planned to invoke Goonda Act,” Mr. Harishekaran said.
Among these are persons arrested following two group clashes and the murder in Bantwal, he said. “We will act against all persons, regardless of caste and religion, and maintain peace in the region,” he said. The IGP said instructions have been given to personnel to find persons with criminal antecedents who have failed to appear before court for trial. “I am reviewing all criminal cases registered in district in the last 10 years,” he said.
Panchayat VP murder
On allegations that the police have not arrested all accused in the murder of vice-president of Karopady Gram Panchayat, A. Abdul Jalil Karopady, in April, Mr. Harishekaran said all persons involved in the murder have been nabbed. As probe revealed involvement of underworld operative Vikki Shetty, the police will invoke the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act 2000 , he said.
