Thiruvananthapuram: Nearly 4,000 people accused of destroying private property during hartal face confiscation of their wealth. Since those who vandalised private property could be booked only in criminal cases, the state government is moving to prompt victimised private citizens to file civil suits against the offenders so that confiscation can proceed.

The state police headquarters (PHQ) has issued directives to district police chiefs to proceed with the action against the nearly 4,000 accused in over 200 cases.

As of now those arrested under the provisions of the law that applies to destruction of public property are limited. Most of those arrested have come out on bail. However, there were widespread attacks on private vehicles, offices, trade establishments and houses. Those accused have not been charged with criminal cases since the provisions of the law against destruction of public property do not apply there.

Confiscation proceedings can begin if the accused, who have been booked in criminal cases, are also charged in civil cases. Director General of Police Loknath Behera has warned that those accused with destroying public property and resorting to violence during the hartal will face confiscation of wealth.

At the same time, the police are not moving fast enough despite Behera's repeated reminders to his officers that the accused have to be arrested immediately. It is alleged that even those on a list that was circulated before the hartal have not been detained.

State police stage a route march in Adoor, where tension remains high over the Sabarimala issue. Photo: Nikhil Raj

The district police chiefs say most of the accused have gone into hiding and that the album of offenders is not yet ready. Besides, there is a shortage of personnel as nearly 5,000 are on duty at Sabarimala for the Makaravilakku season.

However, top officers revealed that the album of accused persons is ready in most districts and that the Special Branch has identified them.

Vandals still on the prowl

Tensions over the Sabarimala issue have not eased across Kerala. Violence was unleashed in several parts of the state on Saturday too. A gang of helmet-wearing men attacked the number 435 Sree Bhuvaneswari Vilasam NSS Karayogam at Cheruval, Angadikkal Thekku, Koduman in Pathanamthitta district.

A barber shop belonging to a BJP worker was vandalised at Chelari in Malappuram and in Kozhikode, the house of CPM Kolorkunnu branch secretary Maraththazham Poonthottathil Suresh was attacked.

The RSS office near Chruthazham at Pariyaram, Kannur, was set ablaze. The house of BJP Azheekode mandalam secretary Biju Thuthi was also attacked. A bus shelter built by BJP and four CPM flag posts were destroyed near the Kottur SES College stop at Sreekandapuram.

In Kasargod, CPM worker and District Co-operative Bank employee B C Beena's house came under attack. Three people have been charged with attempted manslaughter here.

"Stringent measures will be taken to deal with violence. The RSS attempt to keep the state scared will not work. The Sangh Parivar is trying to create an atmosphere of high tension," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

Governor files report

Kerala Governor P Sathasivam reported to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the law and order situation in Kerala. The Governor, who is in Chennai, explained to Singh on the phone and will submit a written report once he is back in the state capital. He will submit a detailed report if the Centre demands.