Police arrest eight in special drive against rowdy elements

Coimbatore: In the wake of two gang-related murders in full public view in the past three days, the city police on Tuesday conducted a special drive at Saravanampatti, Selvapuram and Ramanathapuram and arrested eight gang members who were in possession of deadly weapons.
Police have identified members and leaders of six minor gangs who were involved in anti-social activities in the city, said police commissioner V Balakrishnan.“The drive against rowdy elements will continue until their threat is completely neutralised.”
He said police have details of 540 history-sheeters. “Some of them who are involved in gang-related activities are being closely monitored. Some of the men arrested on Tuesday were planning to commit dacoity.”
“The six gangs identified so far are gradually trying to spread their influence in various localities of the city. Most of the members in these gangs are below 25 years old. Already a team led by assistant commissioner Parthiban is working to arrest one of the gang leaders, Gowtham of Kamarajapuram,” he said.
Police are also planning to conduct a meeting with parents of young people from Kannappa Nagar, Rathinapuri, Moormarket, Ammankulam and Sivananda Colony. Parents will be explained about problems that their family could face if their sons become part of a rowdy gang.
Meanwhile, in a press note released on Tuesday, police said there is no connection between two murders that took place on Sunday and Monday. “We have intensified vehicle checks and night patrollings. There is no need to panic.”