Alleged habitual offender sent to jail under KAAPA

A 40-year-old alleged habitual offender was sent to the Kannur Central Prison under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA) after being linked to scores of theft cases in the region.

​The man was identified as Mujeeb, a resident of Arappayil, Peringalam. He is listed as a known offender at the Kunnamangalam police station in Kozhikode.

The police said Mujeeb faces more than 35 cases across Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, with cases registered at stations including Kondotty, Karipur, Areekode, Edacherry, Koduvally, Atholi, Kunnamangalam, Pantheerankavu, Town, Nadakkavu and Vellayil. The allegations against him include snatching cash and jewellery, stealing vehicles parked in public places and breaking into locked shops.

He was already in judicial custody following his arrest for reportedly stealing a two-wheeler parked outside a textile showroom at Pantheerankavu on September 1.

​Mujeeb had previously served six months in preventive detention under Section 3(1) of KAAPA during 2024–25 before his release.

​The latest action was taken by the Kunnamangalam police owing to his repeated offences. Following a preliminary report by the local sub-inspector and a recommendation from Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kozhikode City) Padam Singh, District Collector M.S. Madhavikutty ordered his transfer to the Kannur Central Prison.