LAHORE, Feb 25: Punjab IGP Ahmad Nasim has directed all regional police officers, regional DIGs and the Lahore CCPO to update the record of all gangs operating in their respective areas.

In an order issued here on Sunday, certain guidelines have been given to field police officers in this regard. It has been directed that the record must include information about different categories of criminal gangs like kidnap for ransom, gambling dens, narcotics dens, gun runners, landgrabbers, prostitution dens, mercenaries and gangs operating from other provinces.

The details should include names of members of respective gangs and their present status as regard to their being in jail, on bail or as proclaimed offender.

The field officers have further been directed that hectic efforts be made to arrest POs and court absconders by constituting special teams.

A close contact be maintained with jail authorities to ascertain the release dates of the criminals from jail so that their activities may be kept under watch. Ground checks should also be made in respect of their visitors in jails, associates and relatives of the gangs’ members. It should be ensured through preventive measures that they do not again indulge in similar criminal activities.

It has also been directed that the activities of criminals on bail should be monitored and requisite preventive action be taken to stop them from indulging in crime and efforts may also be made for cancellation of their bails.

The pending cases should be effectively followed for maximum sentences and appeals be filed with superior courts in case of acquittal. The activities of gangs operating in other districts and provinces should be closely studied for inter-regional crimes and hideouts and joint action against such gangs be arranged. — APP