In a significant pre-emptive strike, the Shamlaji police successfully thwarted a major robbery planned for the upscale western parts of Ahmedabad. The breakthrough came during a routine vehicle-checking operation at the Ansol check post on December 30, leading to the arrest of a key member of a gang hailing from Uttar Pradesh.
Arrest During Vehicle Check Unveils Sinister Plot
The police action unfolded when officers spotted a man acting suspiciously. The accused, identified as Birendra Kumar Khatik, a resident of Sahibabad in Ghaziabad district, was riding a bike registered in Uttar Pradesh. When signaled to stop for checking, Khatik attempted to flee but was apprehended after a brief chase. A search of his motorcycle's storage compartment revealed a dangerous cache: three country-made pistols and eighteen live cartridges.
Digital Evidence Points to Planned Heist
The investigation took a more serious turn upon examining Khatik's mobile phone. Police discovered photographs and videos of several potential targets in Ahmedabad, including malls, hotels, banks, and commercial buildings. Preliminary probes indicate this reconnaissance was conducted on different dates using multiple mobile numbers. Following Khatik's interrogation, the police also rounded up one of his accomplices on Wednesday.
Gang with a Criminal History Across States
According to Aravalli Superintendent of Police Manoharisinh Jadeja, the arrested individual and his three accomplices have a history of loot cases in Uttar Pradesh. Their sights were now set on Ahmedabad. Khatik is already wanted in two criminal cases at the Bopal police station in Ahmedabad. One case involves an armed robbery of Rs 73.10 lakh, and the other pertains to a gold chain snatching worth Rs 25,000.
The police have intensified vehicle checks across the region as part of heightened security measures for the New Year celebrations. This arrest has potentially prevented a serious crime in one of the city's most affluent areas, showcasing the effectiveness of vigilant policing during routine checks.
