Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala police on Sunday nabbed 2,507 gangsters in a state-wide raid as part of its initiative to curb anti-social activities in Kerala. Of the apprehended, 300 are fugitives.

Named 'Operation Aag', the raid began at 11 pm on Saturday. The raid is primarily aimed at arresting those on the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA) list who have returned after being deported, those who went absconding despite the decision to impose KAAPA, warrant suspects, drug dealers etc.

Those arrested under non-bailable sections will be remanded and the others will be placed in preventive custody for 24 hours to collect more information and released thereafter.

The arrests were made after raiding 3,501 places since February 4 and registered a total of 1,673 cases, the State Police Chief's office said.

As per reports, 333 people were arrested from Thiruvananthapuram city and rural limits alone. Around 301 goons were apprehended in Thrissur, 272 in Kozhikode, 271 in Kannur, 261 in Kollam, 159 in Malappuram, 156 in Kochi, 137 in Palakkad, 120 in Pathanamthitta, 112 in Kottayam and 85 in Kasaragod.

The most number of cases were registered in Kannur (257), followed by Thiruvananthapuram (239) and Thrissur (214).

Police estimate that more than 50 per cent of the wanted fugitives have been caught in the raid. Further, the operation has ensured the majority of anti-social elements are under surveillance. 

Last year, Kerala Police launched Operation Kaaval to curb anti-social activities, which were on the rise. This was discontinued later.

State Police Chief Anil Kant said Operation Aag will continue in the coming days as well.