CHANDIGARH – The Punjab Police has proposed the introduction of a stern law, to be called the Punjab Control of Organised Crime Act, for ensuring imprisonment of gangsters and protection of witnesses against them. The move came since not a single gangster was convicted in the last five years in the state.
The Act drafted on the lines of a similar provision in other states mainly Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi, will empower the police in checking the rising number of gangs.
As per the draft proposal, the police will be less dependent on witnesses as the statement made before an SP-rank official will be admissible in court. Also, the statement of an accused against a co-accused will carry more relevance.
The legal department is analysing the proposal and after its approval, the Home Department will present it in the Assembly. However, the Act may have to be approved by the President.
