Operation Kubera to continue: Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Raid against illegal private money lending titled 'Operation Kubera' started in May last would continue, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said here today.

A total of 1577 persons were arrested in 2663 cases registered in the first phase of the operation, Chennithala told reporters.

In the second phase starting soon, follow up action in the cases registered and also crack down on any more illegal money lending by charging exorbitant interest would be taken up, he said, adding, a meeting of top police officers would work out details of the operation on September 22.

Stating that Operation Kubera was a success, he claimed that private money lenders have stopped business in the state.

Referring to the suicide by three members of a family in Palakkad district yesterday allegedly due to threat from money lenders, Chennithala said one person have been taken into custody in connection with the incident.

To a question on the recent murder of RSS leader Manoj allegedly by CPI-M workers at Kathiroor in Kannur, Chennithala said there was enough ground to charge the murderers with provisions under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The state had already informed the Centre its decision to hand over the investigation of the case to CBI. The state had also informed the NIA about the case as it was mandatory to inform them if charges were levelled under the Act, he said.

"Now it is for the Centre to decide which agency to probe the case. Investigation by the state crime branch team is progressing in right direction", he said.