Pramesh S Jain
In a major crackdown on rowdyism and anti-social activities,Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police Dr.M.A.Saleem has directed the constitution of dedicated Rowdy Squads at police circle and police station levels across the State.
The directive follows deliberations held during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar on June 4, where the need to eradicate rowdyism and strengthen law and order was emphasized.
The circular mandates strict implementation of provisions under the Karnataka Police Manual relating to the identification,registration,surveillance and monitoring of rowdy elements.
Under the new framework,every police circle will have a Rowdy Squad functioning under the supervision of the Circle Inspector,while police stations headed by Police Inspectors will maintain separate station-level squads.
The composition of the teams will be determined by the respective ACPs and Sub-Divisional Police Officers based on local crime conditions.
The squads have been tasked with verifying criminal cases against individuals and opening new rowdy sheets wherever necessary.
They will also maintain updated records of rowdy sheeters, conduct regular surveillance, identify emerging criminal gangs,gather actionable intelligence and monitor habitual offenders involved in activities affecting public peace.
The circular further directs officers to initiate preventive measures such as proceedings under the Goonda Act, the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA),externment procedures and other legal provisions.
Effective execution of warrants, bonds and other lawful proceedings against rowdy elements has also been made a priority.
To ensure accountability,Circle Inspectors and Station House Officers have been instructed to review the functioning of Rowdy Squads every fortnight,while ACPs and SDPOs will assess their performance during monthly crime meetings.
Unit heads have been directed to periodically review and update rowdy sheets in accordance with existing rules.
The police headquarters has also ordered maintenance of separate registers documenting the activities and achievements of the squads.
Monthly reports detailing surveillance operations, preventive actions,warrant execution and enforcement measures must be submitted through proper channels.
Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy towards rowdyism, the circular states that incidents involving intimidation, extortion,forcible collection,gang activity,public disorder and other unlawful conduct must be dealt with promptly and firmly in accordance with the law.
All Commissioners of Police,Range IGs,DIGs and Superintendents of Police have been directed to constitute the squads and submit compliance reports to Police Headquarters within seven days.
This version is suitable for publication as a straight news report.
