Attacks on tourists will draw grave punishments

Thodupuzha: Things will no more be easy for culprits in the cases of attacks against tourists. Such offences are included in the list of grave crimes following the disrepute caused internationally bythe abduction and murder of Latvian women.

Such cases will be probed by DySPs or ASPs. The DGP's circular instructs that observation of two high level officers should be ensured to ensure credibility and precision in grave crimes.

The circular carries an introduction which says that the measures were adopted after scientific analysis. Sexual offences against women and children, and acid attacks are among four offences that are newly included in the list of grave crimes.

Organised looting, robbery and house breaking that involve an amount of more than Rs. 50 lakh and theft involving more than Rs. 75 lakh are included in the list.

Crime committed by policemen of the rank above sub inspector, suicide of children and mentally challenged people, abduction or hacking of children for begging, death related to dowry linked abuses, rape, abuses against women, gang rape, cases charged with UAPA, NIA and NDPA, fake currency and disappearance cases of children also are included in the list. Abkari cases are included in the list by raising the limit.

Women abuse cases and fake currency cases will be probed by DySPs. There are 30 offences under grave crimes.