Major Crackdown on Organised Crime in Jamnagar: Anti-Terror Law Invoked Against Former Opposition Leaders
In a significant and decisive move against organised criminal networks, the Jamnagar police have taken unprecedented action by invoking the stringent Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act (GujCTOC) against two former opposition leaders of the Jamnagar Municipal Corporation (JMC) and members of their associated gangs. This operation marks a critical escalation in law enforcement efforts to dismantle entrenched criminal enterprises in the region.
Widespread Legal Action and Arrests Under GujCTOC
A total of 29 individuals have been formally booked under the provisions of the GujCTOC, a powerful legislative tool designed to combat terrorism and organised crime. To date, police have successfully apprehended 14 suspects, with intensive manhunts underway to locate the remaining absconding individuals. The application of this act underscores the severity of the alleged offences and the authorities' commitment to rooting out systemic criminality.
Targeting the Khilji Gang: A Long History of Criminal Activities
Police have initiated legal proceedings against former opposition leader Aslam Khilji and 18 members of his criminal gang, with an official offence registered at the Jamnagar City 'A' Division police station. Jamnagar Superintendent of Police Dr. Ravi Mohan Saini confirmed that 13 accused, including Khilji himself, have been taken into custody, while efforts are ongoing to trace five fugitive suspects.
Investigations have uncovered that Khilji and his associates have allegedly been engaged in a wide array of criminal activities since as early as 2005, indicating a prolonged and deeply embedded operation. According to detailed police records, a staggering 46 cases have been registered against Khilji and his gang members, encompassing grave charges such as murder, attempted murder, assault, rioting, criminal conspiracy, damage to public property, atrocities, gambling, land grabbing, and multiple violations under the Arms Act.
Parallel Action Against the Khafi Gang: Extensive Criminal Portfolio
In a coordinated parallel action, law enforcement has also booked former opposition leader Altaf Khafi and his associates under the GujCTOC. The scale of alleged criminality linked to this group is even more extensive, with police records indicating that a total of 52 cases have been registered against Altaf and his gang.
The charges levied against the Khafi gang are comprehensive and severe, including attempted murder, extortion, criminal intimidation, assault, rioting, conspiracy, violations of the Money Lenders Act, Arms Act, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, as well as murder. One accused individual, identified as Sahid Khafi, has already been arrested in connection with this gang. Altaf Khafi and eight other associates are currently incarcerated and will face further intensive interrogation as the investigation progresses. Police teams are actively searching for two additional suspects linked to this criminal network.
Probe Reveals Longstanding Criminal Operations
Investigators have revealed that Altaf Khafi and his associates have allegedly been active in organised crime since 2008, suggesting another long-running criminal enterprise operating within the region. Officials have emphasised that this crackdown is part of an ongoing and expanding probe, with further legal actions anticipated as investigations continue to unfold and more evidence is gathered.
This sweeping police operation represents a robust and determined effort to apply the full force of the law against individuals accused of orchestrating and participating in serious organised crime, sending a clear message about the state's resolve to uphold public safety and legal order.
