Gujarat Police Invoke Stringent GujCTOC Act Against Trio for Organized Crime in Kutch Region
In a significant crackdown on organized criminal activities, the Kutch East police have invoked the stringent Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act (GujCTOC), 2015 against three individuals accused of operating a criminal gang in the region. This decisive legal action underscores the authorities' commitment to curbing serious offences that threaten public safety and order.
Accused Trio Face Multiple Charges Under GujCTOC Act
The police have initiated action against Khushal Goswami (32), Devang Chavda (27), and Kishor alias Ram Bawa (21), who are alleged to have repeatedly engaged in a series of criminal activities. According to official statements, the accused are involved in offences including:
- Robbery
- Prohibition violations
- Assault
- Violations under the Atrocities Act
This invocation of the GujCTOC Act highlights the severity of their alleged crimes, as this legislation is designed to tackle terrorism and organized crime with enhanced penalties and procedural measures.
Previous Criminal Records and Asset Probe Underway
Kutch East Superintendent of Police (SP) Sagar Bagmar provided details on the accused's criminal histories, revealing that Goswami has seven previous cases, Chavda has four, and Kishor has three. These records indicate a pattern of recurring offences, justifying the use of the stringent GujCTOC Act to prevent further criminal activities.
In addition to the charges, police are actively investigating whether the accused acquired assets through illicit means. Authorities have stated that such properties will be seized if found to be linked to criminal activities, as part of efforts to dismantle the financial foundations of organized crime networks.
Recent Case Registration Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
On January 19, a case was registered against the three men at the Anjar police station under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically Sections 309(4), 118(1), 296(B), and 324(4). This registration precedes the invocation of the GujCTOC Act, indicating a multi-pronged legal approach to address their alleged criminal conduct.
The combined use of BNS and GujCTOC provisions reflects a robust strategy by law enforcement to ensure comprehensive legal action against organized crime, aiming to deter similar activities in the Kutch region and beyond.
