Police swoop on suspicious elements8217;

CHANDIGARH, July 16: In an unprecedented action, the city police rounded up 222 persons as a preventive measure here last night. Of these...

CHANDIGARH, July 16: In an unprecedented action, the city police rounded up 222 persons as a preventive measure here last night. Of these, 100 persons were held for allegedly roaming under suspicious circumstances, 95 for threat to peace and 12 for creating nuisance under the influence of liquor.

According to sources, the police had information that the migrants to the city had a big role in increasing petty crime in the city such as thefts, snatching and burglaries. Also, with elections round the corner, the police feared that some anti-social elements might try to enter the city to create disturbance and also serve as fake voters. Interestingly, some police officers were against such an action as it could lead to agitation and resentment.

On June 23, under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure code, UT District Magistrate cum Deputy Commissioner M. Ramsekhar had directed quot;as an emergency measure that whosoever is visiting Chandigarh to seek employment in petty non-formal trades or services or to provide contract labour, should provide their particulars to the local police to enable identification or verification of criminal elements. Any breach of this order invites action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.quot;

When contacted, UT Senior Superintendent of Police C.S.R. Reddy said the police are targeting proclaimed offenders, previous convicts, labourers who are staying here without informing the police, bad characters and ruffians who move where they have no business to be, especially at odd hours.

Last night, personnel from all police stations and police posts combed off the city and conducted raids at suspected places. The maximum arrests, 29, were made under Industrial Area police station for roaming under suspicious circumstances, followed by 28 under Sector 17 police station.

Even as some of those arrested did complain of harassment, police said that special care was taken not to trouble the common man. quot;SHOs and sub-divisional police officers were personally told to monitor each arrested person,quot; said Reddy.

We mean business: IGP We mean business: IGP her
UT Inspector General of Police Shishir Kumar Singh, when contacted, said that the action was taken to restore confidence among the residents. quot;We have to be tough with criminals,quot; he said. quot;Let it be clear to them that we mean business. We will keep the pressure up. Such raids will continue at regular intervals.quot;