Mangaluru: Police to strictly enforce KCOCA against repeat offenders to curb rising crime

Mangaluru: Police to strictly enforce KCOCA against repeat offenders to curb rising crime

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 30, 2025: The city police have decided to strictly enforce the Karnataka Control of Organized Crime Act (KCOCA) against repeat offenders to curb criminal activities in the Commissionerate limits.

Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said that in many cases, accused persons who obtain bail return to criminal activity without fear of consequences, contributing to the rising crime rate. To prevent this, cases will now be booked under KCOCA to deny bail and ensure stricter punishment.

Six accused already booked under KCOCA

Six people have already been booked under this law. Two Mumbai-based accused who duped people with promises of overseas employment visas, and four prisoners who extorted money from fellow inmates, have been charged under KCOCA.

Even those who associate with organized gangs can face action. The law allows for a minimum of five years of imprisonment if a person is found to be a “member of an organized gang,” even without prior cases.

No bail and harsher punishment

The law, enacted in 2000 to control organized crime and terrorism in Karnataka, gives police special powers to ensure bail is rarely granted. For instance, if an accused previously faced a maximum three-year jail term, a KCOCA case could extend the punishment from a minimum of five years to life imprisonment.

If a person accused of prior cases commits fresh crimes, he will be booked under KCOCA, ensuring they cannot obtain bail and face maximum punishment, warned Sudheer Kumar Reddy, Mangaluru City Police Commissioner