Ernakulam Police Launch Major Crackdown, Arrest 73 Court Evaders in Coordinated Operation
In a significant enforcement action, the Ernakulam rural police conducted a coordinated one-day drive across the district, resulting in the arrest of 73 individuals who were absconding after failing to appear before courts in non-bailable cases. The arrested persons were produced before the court on Tuesday, marking a robust effort to address legal evasion.
Simultaneous Operations Across Subdivisions Yield High Arrests
The operation was executed simultaneously in various subdivisions, with the Puthencruz subdivision reporting the highest number of arrests at 23 evaders apprehended. Munambam subdivision followed closely with 21 arrests, while Aluva subdivision accounted for 20. Police officials emphasized that this action is part of a broader initiative to execute long-pending warrants and track down accused individuals evading legal proceedings.
During the intensive drive, 20 individuals wanted in connection with pending warrants were taken into custody. Additionally, four people who had been absconding during the course of investigations were also arrested, further tightening the net around fugitives.
Expanded Enforcement Targets Traffic, Narcotics, and Public Offenses
Beyond tracing court evaders, police intensified enforcement in other critical areas. A total of 567 persons were booked for alleged traffic violations, highlighting a crackdown on road safety infractions. In cases related to narcotic drugs, 34 individuals were arrested, with the Perumbavoor subdivision recording the highest number of cases at 14 arrests.
Police also registered cases against 91 people for offenses such as consuming liquor in public places and illegal possession of liquor. Munambam subdivision led in this category with 28 cases. Further action was taken against 59 people for selling banned tobacco products, underscoring a comprehensive approach to public order.
Verification and Inspections Enhance Surveillance Efforts
As part of the operation, police verified the status of habitual offenders, individuals released on bail, and those recently released from prison. Inspections were conducted at key locations including railway stations, bus stands, parking areas, public spaces, and lodges to ensure thorough monitoring and deterrence.
The special drive was carried out on the directions of Ernakulam range DIG Arul R B Krishna, with police confirming that similar operations will continue in the coming days to maintain law and order.
Additional Arrests Highlight Broader Crime Focus
In a separate incident, city police arrested an event management entrepreneur for allegedly raping a divorced woman on the promise of marriage and cheating her of money and gold. The accused, identified as Ayoobi, 50, a resident of Palarivattom, was taken into custody from a flat in Kochi after a detailed investigation. He was later produced before a court, which remanded him to judicial custody.
According to the complaint, the woman became acquainted with the accused in 2022 after he allegedly promised to marry her. She reported that he sexually assaulted her at various apartments in Kochi between 2024 and January 2026 and forced her to undergo abortion twice. Police stated that the accused also allegedly extorted Rs 15 lakh and around 10 sovereigns of gold by threatening to circulate her obscene photographs on social media.
Railway Police Act Against Social Media Misconduct
In another enforcement action, railway police arrested two individuals for allegedly filming social media reels on a moving train in a manner that caused inconvenience to passengers. The accused were identified as Jismon, 20, and Kiran, 29, natives of Vattaparambu, Ernakulam.
According to the railway protection force, the incident occurred onboard the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Intercity Express in the first week of March. Following complaints and the appearance of the reels online on March 4, the duo was summoned on March 6 and later released on station bail, highlighting police vigilance against disruptive behavior in public transport.
