Hyderabad: The Cyberabad police has rehabilitated a former chain-snatcher, who was involved in around 100 cases, by opening a tea stall for him. Police commissioner C.V. Anand inaugurated the tea stall on Monday at ECIL.
The man, Marineni Raju, 35, a resident of Shamirpet, was also a suspect in three murder cases, but was acquitted. Senior police officials said that as per the reformation programme, around 900 criminals were counselled so far.
Marineni Raju, who served a 12-year jail term, was approached by the police when he was released in December. He promised to keep away from crime. Police commissioner Anand and Malkajgiri cops helped him in the new venture.
“We counsel criminals when they are released. So far, the Central Crime Station of Malkajgiri and the SHOs of Cyberabad have counselled about 900 criminals,” said Anand in an official release.
The police approach criminals after studying records. “We counsel them and their families. Most of them give a positive response since their families are witnessing the counselling. Of the 900 people counselled, most have promised to turn a new leaf,” said additional DCP Janaki Sharmila.
Officials said the effort to reform criminals would continue as it has proved to be effective. Officials hope their efforts will bring down the crime rate.
"Prevention of crime is as important as detection for the police. This new move is effective," said a senior police official from Cyberabad.
