Thiruvananthapuram: Police have launched a special drive to curb the spiralling violence and goonda attacks across the state which have disrupted the peaceful atmosphere. In the special drive launched against the drug mafia and anti-social elements, on Thursday, 243 persons have been arrested and 53 persons have been detained. Of the 243 persons arrested, 90 persons are accused in criminal cases and 153 persons are accused in warrant cases.  

Senior police officials have reviewed the law and order situation prevailing in the state in the meeting presided over by DGP Dr Sheikh Darvesh Sahib  at Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. DGP has issued clear instructions to the Zonal IGs, Range DIGs and district police chiefs to take strict actions against those who disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

 DGP has said that, immediate legal steps should be taken in connection with atrocities and violence against women and children. District police chiefs should extra care while handling cases in connection with serious crimes and controversial issues. While handling such cases, review meetings at regular intervals should be conducted so that all the accused would be arrested without delays. 

Strong action should be taken against the drug peddlers who use social media and other means to sell drugs. Legal steps should be taken against those who use drugs too, DGP said. The cyber presence of suspected persons would be under police surveillance, he said. 

Police have been asked to strengthen the patrolling and the activities of control room vehicles would be monitored also.  District police chiefs have been given instructions to check whether proper and timely actions being taken in connection with the messages received by the police personnel of control room vehicles.