Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 9: The Kerala Police have launched a statewide crackdown against rowdy elements, history-sheeters and members of criminal gangs following recent threats allegedly issued by history-sheeter Arjun Ayanki, officials said on Sunday.

The operation, named ‘Operation Grip’, is aimed at identifying and taking action against criminal networks, gang members, their associates and those allegedly providing support to them.

State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the operation began on Saturday and several people involved in criminal activities were already being monitored and apprehended.

"A number of people involved in criminal activities, history-sheeters are being monitored and nabbed. We will not allow any goonda activities in Kerala," he told reporters.

ADGP (Law and Order) P Vijayan said the initiative was conceived while police were tracking Ayanki and was intended to send a strong message to other criminal elements.

"When we saw Arjun Ayanki's statement and challenge, we viewed it as a measure to ensure no one else would throw such challenges again," Vijayan said.

He said around 55 people had been apprehended by 10 pm on Saturday as part of the operation to bring identified notorious goondas under the law.

Police sources said the drive was being carried out in coordination with state and district intelligence units.

"History-sheeters who were involved in criminal gang activities are being monitored. Those who are still active are being detained. Also, people who are absconding in cases related to goonda activities are being traced as part of the drive," a senior police officer said.

The statewide crackdown is also aimed at ensuring a peaceful Onam season in Kerala, the officer added.

Ayanki was arrested in Kannur on Sunday after allegedly issuing threats against police officers in Kothamangalam following police action against him.

According to police, Ayanki is involved in 23 criminal cases. While in hiding, he had also allegedly challenged Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala through social media.

Police had recently registered a case against Ayanki for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Chief Minister V D Satheesan on social media.

The Kerala Police are continuing their efforts to identify and apprehend other active members and associates of criminal gangs as part of Operation Grip.