The provisions of Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Dacoits, Drug-offenders, Goondas, Immoral traffic offenders and Land-grabbers Act 1986, simply called as Preventive Detention Act, are being invoked more often than ever by the city police to prevent recurrence of crime.
The city police seem determined to keep a check on the land-grabbers and rowdy elements who are on loose. Speaking to The Hindu, city Police Commissioner V. Ravinder said they found the provisions of the PD Act more deterrent than any other. “In this Act, the offender will not get bail for one year. Meanwhile, the police will collect evidence and ensure conviction that could range from one to three years,” he explained.
According to him, hitherto the offenders used to get away with few days of imprisonment managing to get bail. Again, they resorted to the same crime. In the recent times, as many as 21 cases were booked under the PD Act that included four murder cases, two drug offenders, one immoral traffic offender and rest property offenders.
“Most of the offenders are middle aged or younger and they know if they get booked under PD Act, prime years of their life will be jail. This is acting as deterrent from our observation,” Mr. Ravinder said.
Unlike in the past where the police were burdened by the work and not so keen on collecting evidence, now they were more focused on carrying investigation in more scientific manner. This includes CCTV footage, identification parade and witnesses, property identification among others. “Securing conviction was difficult previously. Now we are focusing more on it in order to prevent habitual offenders from committing crime again and again,” the Police Commissioner said.
According to him, the police department has been modernised in the recent times, having acquired latest equipment and technology.