In a significant crackdown on criminal elements, the Ernakulam Rural Police have registered a staggering 467 cases across the district as part of a sustained campaign against anti-social activities. The drive, spearheaded by District Police Chief M Hemalatha, has already led to the arrest of 17 individuals.
Operation De-Weed: Sweeping Inspections Across Public Spaces
The police action, conducted under the banner of Operation De-Weed, involved meticulous inspections at a wide range of locations known to harbor criminal elements. Officers combed through 127 lodges, hotels, and other accommodations to check for illicit activities.
The net was cast wider to include crucial transit and residential points. Authorities also inspected 32 bus stands, 36 centres housing migrant workers, and 71 camps. This comprehensive approach underscores the police's strategy to root out threats from all potential hotspots in public areas.
Aim: Justice and Rehabilitation
The overarching goal of the project, as outlined by Superintendent of Police M Hemalatha, is twofold. The primary aim is to bring to justice those who pose a threat or cause disturbances in public spaces. Concurrently, the initiative focuses on the rehabilitation of such individuals, suggesting a long-term strategy beyond mere apprehension.
To maintain consistent pressure, the police have institutionalized this effort. A special drive is now conducted once every week, ensuring that the campaign against anti-social elements is not a one-off event but a regular feature of law enforcement in the district.
Separate Drug Case: Three-Year Rigorous Imprisonment
In a related development highlighting the judiciary's stance on narcotics, two men were sentenced to rigorous imprisonment in a separate drug case. The verdict was delivered by Ernakulam Additional District and Sessions Court - VII Judge V P M Suresh Babu.
The case, registered at the Kothamangalam police station back in May 2019, involved the seizure of more than 2 kilograms of ganja intended for sale in Kothamangalam. The convicted individuals are 41-year-old Binoy from Kothamangalam and 36-year-old Ajmal from Kuttamangalam.
Both have been sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment. Additionally, the court imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on each of them. This ruling sends a strong message about the legal consequences of drug trafficking in the region.
The combined force of proactive police operations like Operation De-Weed and stringent judicial punishments aims to create a safer environment for the residents of Ernakulam district.
