A simmering rivalry between two opposing gangs running competing protection rackets is threatening public peace in Technopark locality, the State’s IT hub which is witnessing a construction boom.
State police investigators say the recurrent feuding between the two alleged gang leaders, who go by the nickname Panchayat Unni and Korean Kochumon, has precipitated an escalation in gang violence in Kazhakuttom, Mangalapuram and Menamkulam localities after a year-long hiatus.
Street fights and attacks on the houses of rivals have once again become a cyclical offence, stirring a deep sense of insecurity among residents and also the local business community.
Officers said there had been a corresponding increase in the registration of hurt, arson and trespass cases in the police subdivision.
Police officers said the gang leaders themselves were suspects in more than 40 violent crimes and had undergone detention several times under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA).
Undercover operation
In early January, the police had launched an undercover operation to understand the source of income of the wanted men.
They focussed more on Unni who had reportedly made sizeable real estate investments in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
They found that a set of builders, labour contractors, tipper lorry owners and shop owners regularly transferred varying amounts of money to the accounts of the suspects or that of their nominees.
With Kochu Mon in jail, the police launched a search for Unni who was arrested last month from a restaurant in Puducherry.
Officers said the accused lorded over his protection racket from the Union Territory where he had considerable investments.
Scores of flats, independent villas, shops and commercial complexes are coming up in the suburban neighbourhoods abutting the IT hub.
The police said promoters paid off the gangs to ensure they could proceed with their ventures in relative security.
Notice to builders
A senior officer said the police were likely to send notices to the builders and business persons under section 162 of the CrPC to explain their financial transactions with the gangs.
A few of them have stated their intent to be witnesses.