AGRA: Nearly 5,500 criminals got their bail cancelled fearing "action" by UP Police during the first 10 months of chief minister Yogi Adityanath ’s regime, said director general of Uttar Pradesh police Om Prakash Singh on Sunday.

The DGP, who was in Agra to chair a crime review meeting with officials, said the Special Task Force (STF) made dedicated efforts to make state police’s crackdown on criminals successful.

“During 10 months from March 2017 to January 2018, UP Police has conducted 1,331 encounters. In these encounters, 3,091 wanted criminals have been arrested and 43 gunned down. Out of these, 50% had rewards declared on them. Many of these people had been absconding for a long time. Fearing action against them, a total of 5,409 criminals during these 10 months got their bail cancelled by surrendering in courts,” the DGP said.

In all, Singh said, 14 incidents of group clashes, including some of communal nature, were reported from across UP on Holi, as compared to an average of over 60 similar incidents reported every year since 2013. “Proper planning and proactive policing is the main reason why festival of Holi was celebrated in the state in a free and peaceful manner. On the appeal of police officials, Muslim leaders changed timing of significant Friday payers to ensure no law and order situation takes place. Through social policing, we will continue to ensure peaceful conduct of all the festivals and public events,” the DGP said.

In cases of crime against women, Singh said, statutory action has been taken in 3,400 cases. “Anti-Romeo Squads have put in check cases of eve-teasing and harassment at public places. In 10 months, 26 lakh people have been questioned and warned by these special squads. Police emergency service, UP 100, has also played a crucial role in ensuring women’s safety,” the DGP said.

The police chief also said that out of 13,624 cases registered under the Gangster and Anti-Social Activities Act, action has been taken in more than 12,600 cases. “In 199 cases, property of people involved in anti-social activities has been seized. Total worth of seized property is over Rs 94 core. Besides 95% of serious crime cases registered in the past 11 months have been worked out,” Singh said.

The DGP said state police had recovered 7000 stolen two-wheelers and 900 four-wheelers till February.