Warning issued to rowdy-sheeters

In the background of forthcoming Assembly elections, which are propsed to be slated to be held in May, Police Commissioner M N Nagaraj has warned rowdy-sheeters not to threaten or force citizens with regard to any of the voting process, failing which they would be jailed for one year under the Goonda Act.

Speaking at the rowdy-sheeters' parade organised by the Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissionerate, at old CAR police parade ground on Karwar Road here on Friday, he stated that action like externment would also be taken against those who threaten free and fair polling.

He said, there are 2,589 rowdy-sheeters, including 176 communal goondas, in the twin cities. For more than 900 persons, undertaking on bond papers have been taken, mentioning fine amount from Rs 50,000 to Rs five lakh, for illegal acts.

Police have kept an eye on the movement of around 1,200 rowdy-sheeters in the twin cities. A separate parade of 70 major rowdy-sheeters would be conducted, and they would be warned individually, Mr Nagaraj said.

Mr Nagaraj said, liquor shops, and bar & restaurants have been instructed to adhere to liquor supply timings, and to install CCTV cameras. Action would be taken against those who create ruckus seeking liquor supply after the closure of liquor shops, he noted.

"Rowdy-sheeters can peacefully exercise their franchise during elections, but they cannot disturb others or try to suppress others' rights," he added.

When a few rowdy-sheeters noted that they were involved in just one case decades back, and that case too was closed, Mr Nagaraj assured to remove their names from the rowdy-sheet, if they are reformed and have good conduct.

Deputy Commissioners of Police Renuka Sukumar, B S Nemagouda, Assistant Commissioners of Police A H Pathan, N B Sakri, and others were present.