In the aftermath of the Pune rape incident and considering the upcoming assembly’s budget session and Ramzan, the Mumbai police carried out Operation All Out. The action, which is taken on a monthly basis to flush out anti-social elements, assumed significance owing to aforementioned reasons.
Between February 28, 11pm, and March 1, 2.30pm, the personnel, including the higher-ups, swooped on 207 locations, including 14 premises linked to gambling and other illegal activities. They cracked the whip against thousands of accused, including history-sheeters in crimes against women, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
During the action, the police arrested 12 fugitives and took action against 54 people under section 142 (violating externment orders) of the Mumbai Police Act. Similarly, 16 others faced the music for allegedly possessing illegal weapons. The officials also filed 15 cases related to drug possession and took action against 56 people for allegedly engaging in suspicious activities.
Non-bailable warrants were issued against 46 accused, while standing warrants (which instructs police to arrest a specific person) were served to 25 suspects. The police set up nakabandi at 113 locations, examining 6,901 two-wheelers and taking action against 1,891 drivers for violating rules. Additionally, 70 others were caught allegedly driving under the influence.
A police officer said, “We also contacted ST and BEST bus depot managers and requested them to improve lighting arrangements, enhance security measures and vet suspicious persons roaming on the premises.” Security measures have been also enhanced at one of the city’s largest bus depots located in Shivaji Nagar, Govandi. The senior Inspector recently inspected the bus depot and requested the BEST to remove all the abandoned vehicles. The move was taken considering the fact that the Pune rape took place inside a bus at a depot.
A senior officer said that all station in-charges have been ordered to keep an eye on individuals released from jail in the past five years for crimes such as rape, molestation and sexual harassment. Such criminals, who have not been prosecuted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, have been made to sign bonds to deter them from repeating the offences. Directives have been also issued to pay serious attention to all written complaints related to crimes against women and take immediate action.
Police sources also revealed that all senior Inspectors have been instructed to intensify day and night patrolling at bus depots. According to sources, instructions have been issued to take action against abandoned vehicles and illegally parked vehicles as criminals could use them as hideouts. Moreover, action should be taken against drug addicts sleeping or loitering on the streets and individuals found lingering in parking lots late at night.
