In a significant crackdown on organised crime, the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) in Vadodara has invoked the stringent Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime (GujCTOC) Act against eight members of a notorious gang. The action, taken on Wednesday, targets individuals accused of spreading fear in the city for nearly ten years.
A Decade of Criminal Activities
Police officials revealed that the gang had been operating with impunity for close to a decade, creating an atmosphere of terror among local residents. Their alleged criminal portfolio is extensive and includes serious offences such as armed robbery, chain-snatching incidents, burglary, vehicle theft, and physical assault. The gang's activities were not confined to Vadodara but spanned several cities across the state of Gujarat.
More than 152 individual criminal cases have been formally registered against the members of this gang over the years. Despite repeated arrests, the group continued its operations, leading authorities to take more severe legal measures. The accused had also been detained multiple times in the past under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act (Pasa).
The Accused Named
The eight individuals now facing charges under the powerful GujCTOC Act have been identified by police. They are Ajaysinh Sikligar, Jaspalsingh Sikligar, Arjunsinh Sikligar, Shamshersingh Sikligar, Prakash Rajput, Sunnysingh Sikligar, Karansingh Sikligar, and Shankar Markwadi. The majority of the accused belong to the Sikligar community.
The Impact of the GujCTOC Act
The application of the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act marks a major escalation in the legal battle against this gang. This act is a special law designed to combat organised crime and terrorism within the state, offering law enforcement agencies tougher provisions for detention, making bail exceedingly difficult to obtain, and allowing for the admission of evidence collected through interception of communications.
By booking the gang under this act, the Vadodara police aim to dismantle the network's operations permanently and deliver a strong message to other organised crime syndicates in the region. This move is seen as a critical step to restore public confidence and ensure long-term safety in the areas affected by the gang's activities.
