Surat: Aiming to significantly reduce criminal activity, the Surat Police launched a wide-ranging surprise search operation. Over 150 known and suspected hideouts of anti-social elements across Zone 5 were meticulously searched in this operation, leading to legal action against 361 individuals within just three hours. Additionally, fines totalling to Rs. 52,000 were imposed.
This surprise sweep is part of the "Quiet and Safe Surat" and "No Drugs in Surat" campaigns led by the local police force. Targeting areas under the jurisdiction of the Utran, Amroli, Jahangirpura, Rander, Adajan, and Pal police, the operation aimed at identifying and apprehending individuals who have been frequenting local hotspots like paan shops and tea stalls for unlawful activities.
Before the operation was launched, a covert survey was conducted to identify potential hideouts and meeting points across the zone. Acting on this intelligence, a team of officers led by a Police Inspector and overseen by senior officials carried out the raids. Within a span of three hours, they apprehended 361 individuals, many of whom have known criminal backgrounds.
In the course of the operation, the police registered 63 cases under section 207 of the MV Act against vehicles with missing or faulty number plates. They imposed fines totalling Rs. 32,300 on vehicles with tinted windows or carrying more than the allowed number of passengers. Other offences included 12 cases against individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol, 5 cases against drunk drivers, and 22 cases under G.P. Act 135 for possession of weapons.
In an effort to ensure public safety, 28 cases were lodged against those causing traffic obstructions or overspeeding. Furthermore, violations related to public health were noted, with 5 cases against e-cigarette usage, 3 cases against illegal smoking areas, and 8 cases concerning unauthorised hookah establishments.
This wide-ranging operation also led to the registration of two cases of order violations. Within the three-hour operation, the police were successful in taking legal action against a total of 361 individuals, with fines summing up to Rs. 32,300 collected.
