Belagavi: In a drive to curb the activities of habitual offenders and maintain law and order, the North Range police deployed 53 teams across five districts during July, initiated preventive action against 148 individuals and externed 23 rowdy sheeters.The campaign covered Belagavi, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Dharwad and Gadag districts, with police monitoring the movements and activities of known offenders. Police said stringent preventive measures and legal action were taken to deter criminal activities and prevent future breaches of peace.Of the 53 teams constituted at police station and sub-divisional levels, Belagavi accounted for the highest number at 19, followed by Vijayapura (11), Bagalkot (9), Gadag (8) and Dharwad (6).During the month-long operation, police registered 148 preventive cases under various provisions of BNSS. Vijayapura recorded the highest number of actions at 70, followed by Belagavi (32), Gadag (24), Bagalkot (20) and Dharwad (2).Police also initiated externment proceedings against habitual offenders under the Karnataka Police Act. A total of 23 rowdy-sheeters were externed, including 10 each from Bagalkot and Gadag, two from Dharwad and one from Vijayapura.

Action under the Goonda Act was taken against six repeat offenders, including two each from Belagavi, Vijayapura and Bagalkot.In a significant move against organised crime, police invoked the Karnataka Control of Organised Crime Act (KCOCA) against five accused in a case registered under the Harugeri police station limits.According to a press release, the intensified crackdown aims to keep a close watch on habitual offenders, dismantle organised criminal networks, and ensure public safety across the northern region.