- Mysuru to roll out system next week
- 600 rowdy-sheeters under watch
Mysuru, June 8 (GA&BCT)- In a major move to curb rowdyism and strengthen crime prevention, Karnataka Police has directed the formation of dedicated ‘anti-rowdy squads’ in every Police Station to monitor rowdy sheeters, suspected offenders and anti-social elements.
Mysuru city is set to roll out the initiative from next week, with instructions already communicated to all Police Stations.
The move comes amid a renewed push by the State Government to crack down on organised crime and rowdy activities, even as the existing practice of maintaining rowdy and history sheets has faced legal scrutiny over concerns of arbitrary surveillance.
The order was issued by the Office of the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) on June 5 following a high-level meeting with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Compliance reports within seven days
DG&IGP Dr. M.A. Saleem has directed all Police divisions and stations across the State to constitute special squads. Police Commissioners, Inspectors General of Police (IGPs), Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and District Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been instructed to implement the order and submit compliance reports within seven days.
According to the circular, ‘anti-rowdy squads’ will be formed in every Police Circle under the supervision of the Circle Inspector.
Police Stations headed by Police Inspectors will also have separate Station-level squads. The composition of these squads will be decided by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer or the Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Curbing gang-related activities
Where necessary, individual Police Stations may constitute additional squads. Their primary responsibility will be to closely monitor rowdy sheeters, keep track of their activities and open rowdy sheets against new offenders.
The squads will focus on preventing gang-related activities, intimidation, extortion, forcible collections and other offences that threaten public peace.
The squads have been tasked with tracking the movements of rowdy sheeters, investigating criminal cases, ensuring execution of warrants and initiating legal action against habitual offenders. They will also gather local intelligence and conduct special raids and checks in sensitive and vulnerable areas.
Fortnightly review
Emphasising a zero-tolerance approach towards rowdyism, the circular mandates that Circle Inspectors and Station House Officers review squad activities every 15 days, while monthly reports must be submitted to senior officers.
Apart from maintaining updated records of rowdy sheeters and anti-social elements, the squads will conduct lawful surveillance of their activities, movements and associations.
The anti-rowdy squads have also been empowered to initiate preventive measures, including Preventive Action Reports (PAR), proceedings under the Goonda Act, the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA), 2000 and externment actions against habitual offenders.
This post was published on June 8, 2026 7:30 pm