166 booked under KAAPA in Ernakulam in 2025

A total of 166 people were booked under the Kerala Anti-social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) in Ernakulam in 2025, according to the police. Of them, 54 were placed under preventive detention, while externment or restriction orders were issued against the remaining 112. Action under the Act is taken against serial offenders classified as known “goons” or “rowdies”.

KAAPA was invoked against 58 people within the Kochi City police limits, while the Ernakulam Rural police used the law to rein in 108 alleged anti-social elements.

Within the city limits, 24 people were placed under preventive detention under the law, while the movement of 34 others was restricted. In the rural limits, 30 people were detained and restrictions were imposed on 78.

Of the 26 people recommended by the city police for detention, the District Collector ordered preventive detention for 24. Restriction orders were issued in 34 of the 66 cases recommended. Of the 53 detention proposals submitted by the District Police Chief (Ernakulam Rural), 30 were approved by the Collector, while 14 were rejected. A decision on the remaining nine proposals is awaited. Of the 107 proposals for restrictions on movement, 78 were approved and 24 rejected. Decisions on the remaining five proposals are awaited.

The number of people facing action under KAAPA has increased both within the city and rural limits compared to the previous year. In 2024, 12 people within the city limits were detained, while restriction or externment orders were issued against 41. From the rural limits, 28 people were detained, and restriction or externment orders were issued against 81. The proposals from the city and rural limits were submitted by District Police Chiefs Putta Vimaladitya and M. Hemalatha, respectively.

Detention is ordered under Section 3 of the Act, while Section 15 provides for externment or restriction. When Section 15(1)(a) is invoked, the designated goon or rowdy is required to report without fail to the police station concerned, while Section 15(1)(b) allows a person to be externed from the police district limits. Detention and restrictions are ordered initially for six months, and the preventive measures are extended against those who continue to commit offences thereafter.

The proposal for preventive action against an alleged serial offender is initiated by the station house officer concerned. The District Police Chief forwards the proposal to the District Collector, who issues orders based on legal inputs. The Collector, in her capacity as District Magistrate, considers proposals for detention, while decisions on proposals seeking externment or restriction may be taken by the District Magistrate or an officer of the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police or above.