The Bihar government has given a free hand to the Special Task Force (STF) in the state to rein in gangs perpetrating crimes such as kidnapping, contract killing, extortion, loot and dacoity, state Home Secretary Afzal Amanullah has said.
STF personnel have been given four months time to clamp down on the gangs, Amanullah said but refused to reveal the names of the criminal groups.
Fifteen people were killed in two separate incidents of gang war between dreaded Akhilesh Singh and Ashok Mahto gangs in the state's Nalanda and Sheikhpura districts last week.
The operation against the criminals would be further intensified in June after the Panchayat elections in the state, he said.
"All the Superintendents of Police have been asked to step up operation and ensure speedy trial," Amanullah said.
With over 1500 persons already convicted in the cases lodged under Arms Act in the last six months, criminals are feeling the heat, Amanullah said.