Chennai: 3,325 accused came under 'Operation Disarm's' radar and were taken into custody in connection with murder cases as on Thursday. DGP C Sylendra Babu spearheaded the operation aiming to prevent murderous attacks by gangsters due to previous enmity.
A statement from the office of the DGP said that police officials have seized about 1,110 knives and seven country-made guns that were used in the murderous attacks by the gangsters.
Pointing out that Station House Officers (SHOs) were directed to hold meetings with blacksmiths, lathe owners and others who sell billhooks and knives, the statement said that meetings were conducted at 579 places across the state and more than 2,500 people who participated in the meetings, had assured the police officials of their cooperation to prevent crimes.
The statement further said that DGP Sylendra Babu had directed the police officials to closely monitor the shops and units that sell knives and machetes to ensure that weapons do not reach the wrong hands.
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The statement said, the DGP had ordered the concerned officials to identify places where knives and machetes are made. “The officials should direct the manufacturers and sellers of the weapons to collect details including their name, phone number and the reason for the purchase, while selling the weapons. The weapons should not be sold to any unidentified persons for reasons other than agricultural and household purposes. The shops and units should install CCTV cameras at their premises,” the statement added.
According to the statement, the police department would reward the shopkeepers who alert the local police if any suspicious persons purchase weapons from them.