Mangaluru: A survey of sensitive areas in Dakshina Kannada district was done by DK police force and revenue officers, as state election approach close. To prevent communal clashes and illegal activities, Goonda control squad has been set up and has started operating.

Gun license is already being verified and almost 99% of verification is completed. Raids against illegal liquor production and sale are taking place. Operations have begun against rowdies, alcohol sellers and communal goondas, informed District police SP Dr. B.R. Ravikante Gowda.

Three months back the district faced a communal clash creating an environment of fear and distress. Therefore Goonda control squad has been created. Bringing an end to communal conflicts is the aim of this squad, said the SP.

Former Mangaluru CCB inspector Sunil Naik, who is currently in DCIB, has been appointed as the inspector of this squad. The squad also includes three PSI’s and eight policemen team. This is a newly formed team and if necessary, more personnel shall be added to the team, explained the SP.

A list has been created which has the names of 412 communal Goonda’s listed in it. The names were ascertained by examining all the communal riots that have taken place in the district till date.

A few from the list are presently inactive. But nearly 300 communal goondas have been observed to be directly or indirectly related to communal riots, and a list for them has been created.

A close eye is kept on these individuals. Their day to day activities, including their timely visits to the police station and court and if they are involved in illegal activities is noted. Based on these observations, future steps will be taken.

To make the beat police more effective, steps are being taken to make the police more people friendly. Police teams regularly visit villages, ensure their attendance, maintain contact with villagers there by gaining information, keeping track of everything that happens within their jurisdiction and collecting information which needs to be sent to senior officers are the steps that have been informed to the force, said district SP Dr. Ravikante Gowda.