Police gearing up to strengthen 'KAAPA'; more history-sheeters to face action soon

Kochi: The Ernakulam Rural District Police have intensified legal actions against history-sheeters by imposing Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act, or KAAPA. As of October 2024, action has been taken against 68 individuals under the KAAPA. More criminals will face action in the coming days, according to District Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena.

The KAAPA, implemented in 2007 to curb anti-social activities in Kerala, allows for preventive detention of up to one year. Criminals are classified into two categories: 'goondas' and 'rowdies', and detention decisions are made accordingly. Those recommended for KAAPA are individuals who have been accused in at least three criminal cases within seven years, with the most recent case being no older than six months.

Upon release from prison after serving a sentence under KAAPA, individuals receive a warning notice from the police advising them not to engage in further criminal activities. Failure to comply can result in banishment, with no permission to enter the district. Violation of this restriction will lead to legal consequences.

In 2024 alone, 68 people have been subjected to KAAPA measures in Ernakulam Rural. Of these, 15 have been imprisoned, while 37 criminals have been banished from the district under KAAPA. Sixteen individuals are required to report and sign in with the respective DySP or SHO. The District Police Chief, Dr Vaibhav Saxena, has submitted reports on these criminals and their offenses to the concerned authorities, who determine the type of action to be taken. The District Collector issues the imprisonment orders, while the Range DIG issues banishment orders.

Two history-sheeters, Linto and Lalu, are currently in prison. Linto is an accused in a murder case. Both are also accused in a case involving the theft of Rs 3.5 crore worth of gold from Thrissur. Nidhin Deepak, also known as Thimmayan, the prime accused in the murder case of Chengamanad native Vinu Vikraman, has also been imprisoned under KAAPA, along with the second accused.

Others who have been jailed under KAAPA this year include Ratheesh, Lalkichu, Jithin Krishna (alias Chadu), Ashik Joy, Pullani Vishnu (alias Vishnu), Adarsh (alias Kunjhan), Jithoos, Ajith Babu,Alvin Babu, Dileep, and Shaan Kuttan.

Action under the PIT NDPS Act (Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) is also ongoing in Ernakulam Rural District. Last week, Ajith V Nair (29) was arrested and sent to Poojappura Central Jail in connection with a cannabis smuggling case. This marks the eleventh criminal to be jailed under this law in the rural district this year, as authorities aim to curb the trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.