Act against anti-social elements, says IGP

'Number of sexual assault cases are on rise even after POCSO Act'

Asserting that the police department will not tolerate anti-social elements, IGP (Western Range) Amrith Paul has directed all the police officials to take strict action against such elements.

Addressing mediapersons at the superintendent of police’s office on Wednesday, the IGP said that he has instructed the police officials to take strict action against anti-social elements to maintain peace, law and order in the society. The department officials have been directed to evoke strict sections including Goonda Act against anti-social elements as a precautionary measure.

“The context of IPS sections in sexual assault cases is wide. Even after the introduction of POCSO Act, the number of sexual assault cases are on the rise. Though a girl and boy have consensual sex, the case will be booked under POCSO Act if the girl is a minor.

Earlier, the age limit was 16 for a girl to be considered as a minor in rape cases, whereas now it is 18. Among the rape cases, in 80 per cent of the cases, victim is a minor. Strict action will take against the offenders in such cases,” the IGP said.

When asked about Maoist menace, he said that though Maoists are trying to hold a grip in the state, they have not been successful in their attempt.

Due to decentralisation of power and land reforms in the State, the harassment of poor is comparatively less. As a result, Maoists did not receive people’s support in this region and are now moving towards Kerala, he replied.

He clarified that the government will encourage Maoists who wish to accept surrender package.

To a query on illegal transportation of cattle, the top cop termed it as a “serious problem.” “The issue has various angles and the responsibility lies large on the department to tackle the issue. Vehicles are inspected at check posts and cases are booked against the offenders,” he said.

Superintendent of Police R Chethan asked the general public to directly complain him if any police official or staff is found to be backing sand mafia.

DH News Service