According to the police, a total of 166 persons were booked under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) in 2025 in Ernakulam. Of these, 54 were placed in preventive detention, while the remaining 112 were given eviction or restraining orders. Serial offenders who are classified as known “goons” or “rowdies” are prosecuted under the law.
KAAPA was invoked against 58 people within Kochi city police limits, while Ernakulam rural police used the law to crack down on 108 alleged anti-social elements.
By law, 24 people were placed in preventive detention within the city, and 34 others were restricted in their movement. In the countryside, 30 people were detained and restrictions were imposed on 78.
Of the 26 persons recommended by the city police for detention, the District Collector ordered preventive detention for 24. Restraining orders were issued in 34 of the 66 recommended cases. Of the 53 detention proposals submitted by the District Superintendent of Police (Ernakulam Rural), 30 were approved by the Collector and 14 were rejected. A decision is awaited on the remaining nine proposals. Out of 107 motion restriction proposals, 78 were approved and 24 were rejected. A decision is awaited on the remaining five proposals.
The number of people facing measures under KAAPA has increased in both urban and rural areas compared to the previous year. In 2024, 12 persons were apprehended in the city limits, while a restraining or external order was issued against 41. From the rural limits, 28 persons were detained and a restraining or external order was issued against 81. The motions from the urban and rural limits were made by District Police Chiefs Putta Vimaladitya and M. Hemalatha, respectively.
Detention is ordered under Section 3 of the Act, while Section 15 provides for exemption or limitation. When applying § 15 paragraph 1 letter a) the designated hooligan or rioter is obliged to report to the relevant police station without undue delay, while § 15 para. 1 letter Detention and restrictions are ordered initially for six months, and preventive measures are extended against those who continue to commit crimes thereafter.
The proposal for preventive measures against the alleged serial offender is initiated by the relevant staff member of the station. The district police chief forwards the proposal to the district collector, who issues orders based on legal documents. The Collector in his capacity as a District Magistrate considers detention proposals, while decisions on proposals for externalization or restriction can be taken by a District Magistrate or an officer of the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police or above.
Published – 02 Jan 2026 19:56 IST
