KYC in Tamil Nadu civil supplies CID means ‘know your criminal’

CHENNAI: KYC normally stands for ‘know your customer’. But in the state civil supplies CID unit, the letters stand for ‘know your criminal’.
These cops have a database of all those who break the law to profiteer from the public distribution system (PDS) across the state.
Brainchild of director-general of police Prateep V Philip, the KYC recently helped the CID nab a rice mill owner at Alangulam in Tirunelveli district for smuggling rice meant for the PDS.
DGP Philip instructed his officers to map every big catch to track the network. The suppliers involved are put in ‘X’ category, the middlemen are in ‘Y’ category and the receivers are in ‘Z’ category. Mapping their activity reveals the area of operation and the modus operandi of the various rackets.
An investigation officer said, “It is not that easy for smugglers to create a new track to transfer the pilfered goods.” Moreover, as cops are watching their close aides, associates and relatives, the smugglers’ are hampered.
The statewide KYC database is available with civil supplies CID units in every district.This helps police to nab the criminals when they move to operate in other districts after coming out on bail in one case.
Police cite the case of B Mariappan, who was involved in six rice smuggling cases. He was detained under the Black Marketers Act. He also signed a bond promising not to indulge in illegal activities for the next six months. However, he vanished from his house. Based on the KYC details, deputy superintendent of police T Elangovan and his team nabbed Mariappan from a hideout at Rajapalayam in Virudhunagar district.