Habitual offender with 21 cases detained under Goonda Act in Belagavi

Belagavi: City police have taken a habitual offender into custody following a preventive detention order issued by the district administration under the Goonda Act, citing concerns over public safety and order.The accused, Vinayak alias Villak Shankar Pradhan, 45, a resident of Mahadwar Road, was detained under Section 3(1) of the Karnataka Prevention of Dangerous Activities of Bootleggers, Drug-Offenders, Gamblers, Goondas and Others Act, 1985. He was subsequently lodged in Hindalaga Jail on Thursday evening.According to an official police statement, Pradhan has been linked to a long history of serious criminal activity dating back to 1999, earning notoriety as a repeat offender. The charges against him include extortion, robbery, kidnapping, assault, unlawful assembly, and the use of deadly weapons that have reportedly created an atmosphere of fear among residents and the local business community in Belagavi.Police records show that a total of 21 criminal cases have been registered against him across multiple police stations in Karnataka, as well as in neighbouring Maharashtra and Goa. These cases involve grave allegations such as kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, communal violence, illegal confinement, and repeated violent assaults. While some cases are currently under trial, others remain under investigation.Despite earlier preventive actions, including the opening of a rowdy sheet, initiation of preventive proceedings, and the issuance of externment orders, Pradhan is alleged to have continued his unlawful activities. Officials noted that he violated an externment order issued in 2023 and went on to commit further offences, demonstrating a persistent disregard for legal restrictions.Authorities also stated that his conduct has significantly disturbed public order and that there is credible evidence suggesting he intimidated witnesses, thereby obstructing the judicial process.Given the limitations of conventional legal measures in curbing his activities, the district administration invoked preventive detention to protect public interest and maintain law and order.