Vadodara Crime Branch Apprehends Two Alleged Qasam Ala Gang Members in High-Profile Jewelry Theft
In a significant breakthrough, sleuths from the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) in Vadodara arrested two alleged members of the notorious Qasam Ala gang on Thursday. The duo had been evading capture for nearly a year, wanted in connection with a brazen jewelry theft that occurred in Dabhoi back in February of last year.
Details of the Arrest and Stolen Goods
Police officials revealed that the accused, identified as Waseem Khan Pathan, a resident of Karelibaug, and Gani Sheikh, from Hathikhana, were apprehended following a meticulous surveillance operation. Acting on credible intelligence about their whereabouts, authorities maintained a close watch in the Hathikhana area, leading to their successful capture.
During the arrest, police recovered a gold chain from the suspects, which upon questioning, was confirmed to be the very item stolen from Dabhoi. The stolen gold necklace is valued at over Rs 88,000 and was taken from outside a party plot, highlighting the audacity of the crime.
Criminal Histories of the Accused
The investigation uncovered that both individuals have extensive criminal records, with dozens of offenses registered against them at various police stations across Vadodara. Waseem Khan Pathan is accused of being involved in more than 20 thefts, with police describing him as an expert in pilfering valuables from the storage compartments of two-wheelers. His criminal activities span approximately two decades, during which he allegedly collaborated with multiple history-sheeters. Pathan has previously been detained under the Prevention of Anti-Social Act (PASA).
Gani Sheikh, also a known history-sheeter, faces over 22 charges including robbery, theft, chain-snatching, extortion, assault, threatening, and gambling. Sheikh has been detained under PASA on five separate occasions in the past, underscoring his persistent involvement in illicit activities.
Broader Crackdown on Criminal Gangs
This arrest is part of a larger, year-long initiative by Vadodara police to clamp down on various criminal gangs operating within the city. The successful capture of these two individuals marks a notable achievement in these ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and curb organized crime.
Authorities have emphasized that the duo's arrest not only resolves the Dabhoi jewelry theft case but also disrupts the operations of the Qasam Ala gang, potentially preventing future crimes. The police continue to investigate any possible connections to other unsolved incidents, aiming to bring further perpetrators to justice.
