Delhi Metro to blacklist 182 held often for theft

Following the approval from the police chief, personnel scanned the profiles of all arrested accused, and prepared a list of 182 people. “There are a minimum of four to five cases of theft against these 182 people, who were later released on bail. After identifying them, police have started serving showcause notices to them under externment proceedings,” an officer said.

Sources said that after the proceedings are completed, police will share their photographs and details with the intelligence wing of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), asking them to ban their entry into Metro premises. “If they are ever found violating the norms, appropriate legal action will be taken against them,” the officer added.

As per Delhi Police figures, out of a total of 9,766 cases registered from the Delhi Metro in 2016, 9,702 were of theft. Similarly, of the 12,925 cases reported in 2017, 12,781 were of theft; and in 2018, out of 4,216 cases reported till October 31, 4,103 were of theft. “Around 280 cases were solved in 2016 and 301 people were arrested; 2,775 cases were solved in 2017 and 590 people were arrested; and 1,150 cases have been solved so far this year, with 435 people arrested,” said an officer.

The Indian Express had earlier reported about Patnaik directing all DCPs to book repeat offenders under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), or initiate externment proceedings against them. “Senior officers of other districts have recently compiled a file on those with an extensive criminal record and started booking them under MCOCA,” the officer added.

Under externment proceedings, police can ensure the accused do not create trouble — by dislodging them from “their area”.

Explaining the move, an officer said: “The common trend observed by investigators is that petty thieves mostly operate at inter-change stations, and people who carry heavy luggage are made easy targets.”