Police propose to exile those with criminal records

In a bid to curb hooliganism in the district, police have suggested a drastic measure to exile as many as 152 individuals with past crime records. They believe that, if implemented, the move could go a long way in curbing crime in the city.

 

The district administration has thus far managed to exile only six such individuals. In 2015, police had recommended to the assistant commissioner, seeking to exile 45 persons with past criminal records. Of these, there were around 24 from the Chikkodi sub-division charged with involvement in anti-social activities and one who was allegedly involved in communal riot cases. In Bailhongal sub-division limits, around three individuals have been accused of involvement in communal riot cases. This year, the department recommended to the assistant commissioners of Belagavi, Bailhongal and Chikkodi sub-divisions to exile 107 more persons.

While police have the authority to prepare a report concerning the action that needs to be taken, and recommend the same, the power to exile is vested with the district administration, the ACs and DCs.

Superintendent of police for Belagavi district, B R Ravikante Gowda said, "Strict action needs to be initiated against those involved in illegal activities."

Assistant commissioner of Bailhongal, Shivanand Bajantri pointed that legal procedures need to be adhered to before any course of action is pursued. "Recommendations of the police department are being held up owing to these legal complications," he said.