33 history-sheeters arrested in one day under ‘Operation SHIELDNET’

Madurai: An intensive preventive policing and crime deterrence drive, christened Operation SHIELDNET, was rolled out across all 10 districts and Tirunelveli City in the South Zone from Wednesday, aimed at tightening surveillance on repeat offenders and strengthening crime prevention mechanisms.According to police, the coordinated operation focused on a range of preventive measures, including verification of history-sheeters and suspects, execution of long-pending non-bailable warrants (NBWs), intensive vehicle checks, bail cancellation initiatives and the initiation of preventive proceedings under Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).On the first day of the operation, police teams checked 3,295 suspects, including 261 history-sheeters. As part of follow-up action, 33 history-sheeter criminals involved in various offences were arrested, while 27 individuals facing long-pending NBWs were traced and taken into custody.Police said preventive proceedings under Section 126 of the BNSS were initiated against 228 people.In addition, extensive vehicle checks led to the seizure of 552 two-wheelers for violations such as absence of number plates, rash driving, use of flickering lights and unlawful modifications.Senior police officials said special emphasis is being placed on the systematic identification and monitoring of repeat offenders as part of the operation.Steps are also being taken to move judicial forums for cancellation of bail in cases where accused persons continue criminal activities while out on bail, officials said.Police will also closely monitor trial proceedings under the existing case officer initiative to improve conviction rates and ensure effective prosecution.Officials added that the operation involved all district police units in the South Zone and would continue in a sustained and intensified manner in the coming days as part of efforts to strengthen preventive policing and public safety.