Coimbatore: As many as 28 absconding individuals wanted in connection with various criminal cases across the city, were arrested by the city police during an intensive two-day special drive held over the weekend.Aimed at cracking down on offenders and enhancing public safety, the operation saw police apprehending long-wanted absconders while taking strict preventive action against known offenders. Officers detained 139 rowdies and impounded 336 vehicles which were involved in traffic or legal violations.Over 1,000 police personnel were deployed across the city for the continuous operation over the weekend. Officers audited active offenders listed under the ‘B’ and ‘C’ category criminal registries, tracking absconders and reviewing pending cases.As part of the drive, vehicle checks were also intensified at major junctions and crime-prone areas. Over the two days, police inspected 4,644 cars and two-wheelers. Among them, 605 drivers were caught operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol and penalised. Additionally, 336 vehicles were cited for traffic violations, including improper number plates and driving without valid documents.Police also leveraged technology to identify suspects. During the checks, facial identification of 2,253 individuals was cross-referenced using a database application for known offenders. Fingerprints of 40 suspicious individuals were also recorded.Police obtained peace bonds from 410 individuals belonging to the ‘B’ and ‘C’ categories to keep the habitual offenders in check. Officers also searched 114 hotels and lodges across the city, resulting in the registration of seven cases related to cannabis smuggling (ganja) and 24 cases related to the illegal sale of gutka.
