Gujarat’s Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay on Saturday directed the preparation of a comprehensive list of anti-social elements within 100 hours in response to recent incidents of street violence. The list is to include individuals with a history of repeated criminal activity, those involved in extortion, intimidation, property crimes, illegal prohibition and gambling activities, mineral theft, and other anti-social acts.
This decision came after at least 14 individuals were arrested for allegedly attacking commuters and vandalising vehicles with sticks and swords in Ahmedabad’s Vastral area on Thursday night.
A video captured by an eyewitness showed a group of around 20 men assaulting an SUV owner and damaging nearby vehicles. The footage led to swift police action, resulting in multiple arrests.
During an urgent meeting via video conference with commissioners of police, range heads, and superintendents of police, DGP Sahay issued strict directives.
He emphasised that the decision to take strict punitive action against anti-social elements must be implemented immediately. The criteria for inclusion on the list were clearly defined.
DGP Sahay outlined that actions would include the removal of illegal constructions associated with these individuals, legal proceedings concerning such properties, and investigations into their financial transactions, including scrutiny of their bank accounts.
Coordination with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) was also mandated to verify the legitimacy of their electricity connections.
Further measures involve initiating proceedings to cancel bail for those found engaging in illegal activities post-release and taking legal action against those failing to register tenancy agreements.
The use of stringent legal provisions such as the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (PASA) and externment orders were also recommended to curb unlawful conduct.
The police have been instructed to enforce these directives rigorously to ensure law and order in the region.
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