They were hitherto roaming freely conducting ‘kangaroo courts’

With the ongoing drive against criminals, who were hitherto roaming freely across the district conducting ‘kangaroo courts’, reaching the crescendo, the number of criminals arrested in the past 30 days is nearing 200.

After the police belatedly understood that the criminals were the prime reasons for the recent spurt in murders, especially killings with caste overtones, a full-fledged drive to check them was launched a month ago.

‘Hello Police’ system was launched to provide a common platform to the public for making their complaints or forwarding useful information about the movement of antisocials to the police.

With the public too joining hands with the police in curbing crimes, the law-enforcers could nab over 100 criminals, including a few hardcore outlaws, with weapons even as they were waiting to commit crimes.

“The system (Hello Police) we’ve introduced has in fact yielded excellent results with more and more people calling us every day even in the wee hours to pass on useful information about the criminals, their plans, their movements, etc. And, we act immediately to thwart their evil designs,” says V. Vikraman, Superintendent of Police.

Ever since the drive against criminals was started 30 days ago, 178 persons with lethal weapons have been nabbed and 325 cases registered across the district.

In Tirunelveli City, more than 77 criminals have been arrested since March 19.

While acting on the information being provided by the public, the police have intensified vehicle checks across the district. In Tirunelveli City alone, over 100 bikes were confiscated on Saturday as the riders failed to produce proper documents. Those who could produce the registration documents could get back their bikes later.

When the police conducted a vehicle check at Palayamkottai on Saturday, they nabbed one Mukesh Kumar of Vannarpet with a country-made pistol and three of his associates have been picked up for interrogation.

“The drive will continue with more vigour against the criminals,” said a senior police officer from Tirunelveli City Police.