Section 16 in The Calcutta Suburban Police Act, 1866
16. Apprehension and punishment of reputed thieves, etc.—
A Police-officer may arrest without a warrant—any person found, between sunset and sunrise, armed with any dangerous or offensive instrument whatsoever, with intent to commit any offence against the person or property of another;any reputed thief found, between sunset and sunrise, on board any vessel or boat, or lying or loitering in any bazar, street, yard, thoroughfare or other place, who shall not give a satisfactory account of himself;any person found, between sunset and sunrise, having his face covered or otherwise disguised, with intent to commit any such offences as aforesaid;any person found, between sunset and sunrise, in any dwelling-house or other building whatsoever, without being able satisfactorily to account for his presence therein; andany person having in his possession, without lawful excuse (the proof of which excuse shall be on such person), any implement of house-breaking;and such person shall be liable to imprisonment, with or without hard labour, for a term not exceeding three months.
